Category Archives: Mold & Your Health

Inhalation of Mold and Dust – a Health Hazard

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Inhaled Mold Spores Can Be Detrimental to Health

Inhaled Mold Spores Can Be Detrimental to Health

Big things come in small packages, and that applies to health risks as well. Dust and mold spores may not be visible to the naked eye, but they can have a serious impact on your physical well-being. Why do these microscopic particles create such a threat?

Mold Spores: Small but Mighty

Even the largest mold spores measure only 40 microns. In comparison, a human hair ranges from 100 to 150 microns. At that size, it’s easy for spores to slip past the natural filtering in your nasal passages, causing irritation to your upper respiratory system that triggers allergic reactions.

People who don’t generally suffer from allergies can still experience mild symptoms, such as wheezing and a runny nose, but the more sensitive an individual is, the more serious the effects. Reactions can range from chronic sinus infections to asthma attacks as well as lung infections in people with compromised immune systems.

Dangers of Dust in the Air

Dust is always present in the air, but treatments like traditional mold remediation can aggravate their presence. When building materials are removed, chemical vapors, silica particles and other irritants are released to combine with existing dust motes. Such disturbances also stir up mold spores that are dispersed into the air, where they can enter your system or find a new surface where they will continue to multiply.

State-of-the-Art Mold Remediation in NYC and northern NJ

Stern Mold uses a proprietary system called MoldExterm for effective and eco-friendly mold removal. Visit our website to learn more about why MoldExterm is superior to traditional mold remediation.

 

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Remediation, Mold Treatment, MoldExterm, News

What Are the Most Common Types of Mold?

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There are more than 100,000 species of mold.

Just as the word “flower” encompasses thousands of different types of plants, there are more than 100,000 species that fit under the term “mold.” Here’s a look at the distinguishing characteristics found in some of the more common types of mold.

• Stachybotrys atra is the species that has come to be referred to as “black mold” due to its dark greenish-black color. While the mold itself is not toxic, it does produce mycotoxins that can cause a variety of health problems depending on a person’s sensitivity and length of exposure. Hidden black mold can sometimes be detected by its distinctive musty odor.

• Aspergillus is found both indoors and outdoors, so you inhale these spores every day, usually with no ill effects. This species, however, is a powerful allergic irritant, so individuals with allergies are susceptible to upper respiratory symptoms such as coughing and sinus congestion. People with lung conditions or weakened immune systems are vulnerable to a disease called aspergillosis.

• Cladosporium has a black pepper-like appearance and is often found in toilet tanks or on window sills. This variety of mold does not produce mycotoxins, but like aspergillus it can trigger upper respiratory distress in some people.

• Orange- or red-colored mold is usually found outdoors, where it serves to break down dead trees and other organic materials. Mold that appears white is generally in an early stage of development.

Rely on Stern Mold for Cost-Effective, Non-Intrusive Mold Remediation

Regardless of the species, our proprietary MoldExterm process removes mold more thoroughly and safely than traditional mold remediation. Contact Stern Mold today to schedule a free mold inspection for your NYC or northern NJ home.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification, Mold Treatment

Black Mold Health Symptoms, What Are They?

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Black Mold Symptoms

Black Mold Symptoms

Black mold generally occurs in chronically damp areas like laundry rooms, bathrooms, pool rooms and spas. But it can also grow if there are leaking pipes, flooding or in any situation where water and dampness are present over a prolonged period of time. The only way to rid these areas of black mold is through mold treatment.

Symptoms to Look For

If you have been exposed to toxic black mold, here are some of the symptoms to be on the lookout for. They generally cause respiratory distress in one way or another, so that should be the first clue.

• Chronic coughing

• Chronic sneezing

• Watery and itchy eyes

• Irritation of the nose and throat

• Fatigue

• Persistent headaches

• Red blotchy rashes on the body

A severe allergic reaction may entail:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Bleeding from the lungs, nose and mouth

Free Mold Inspection

Of course, these are just general symptoms, and some of them may have other causes. But if you do have any of these symptoms and fear a black mold infestation, call in the professionals at Stern Mold for a free mold inspection.

The Bottom Line

Mold treatment is the only way to eliminate a toxic black mold infestation. If you have noticed toxic black mold, or exhibit any of the chronic symptoms above, don’t take any chances. Rely on the professionals at Stern Mold to rid your home of toxic black mold. We’re part of the Stern Environmental Group and we will answer all of your questions or schedule a free mold inspection for your residence. Stern Mold has been serving the New Jersey, New York City, and Long Island area since 1995.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification, Mold Treatment, News

Is It Mold? Is It Mildew? How to Tell

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Mold Anatomy

The Difference Between Mold And Mildew

Some types of fungi, mold and mildew share a “family” resemblance. So when you discover a suspicious patch in your home, how can you tell which one it is?

Differences between Mold and Mildew

Telltale clues in appearance help to distinguish between mold and mildew.

• Mildew usually starts out white or yellow, changing to brown or black over time. Mold can be found in a wide range of colors, including pink, green, brown, black and grey.

• If a patch of fungus is powdery or downy to the touch, it’s most likely mildew. Mold, on the other hand, has a fuzzy texture.

• Mildew grows in a flat pattern, while mold is hyphae-shaped, which means it’s constructed from several minute filaments.

• Mold is usually found on organic materials such as wood and paper, and both fungi can grow on materials like carpeting, clothing and shower curtains that are in damp areas. Mildew also feeds on host plants such as corn and rice.

Mildew vs. Mold Treatment

Mold and mildew both cause upper-respiratory problems, but mold includes a substance called mycotoxins that can result in more serious allergic reactions. Also, if left untreated mold can lead to structural damage as it feeds on various building materials.

Mildew can often be treated with an over-the-counter cleaning agent or a solution of bleach and water. Due to mold’s more destructive nature, professional mold treatment is highly recommended.

Safe and Effective Mold Treatment in NYC and Northern NJ

Stern Mold provides an eco-friendly mold treatment that can usually be completed within one day. Visit our website to learn more about why our proprietary MoldExterm process is the superior solution to your mold problem.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification, News

Mold 101: What Is a Mycotoxin from Mold?

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Close-up of Mold Mycellium

Close-up of Mold Mycellium

Much of the risk associated with indoor infestations of mold and fungus is due to substances called mycotoxins. You probably recognize that the root word “toxin” refers to poison, but what else do you need to know about these potentially harmful substances?

How Mycotoxins are Ingested

Mycotoxins are invisible to the naked eye. They can be as small as 0.1 microns, making them even more microscopic than mold spores, which range from one to 20 microns. Their minute size and airborne nature make it impossible to create an effective barrier.

Most mycotoxins enter through the respiratory system, where they can cause problems ranging from sneezing and coughing to asthma attacks. Others pass through skin or the membranes of the eyes, while toxic mold on crops can result in people or animals ingesting mycotoxins via food.

Treating Mycotoxins

You may hear talk about killing mycotoxins, but they are not living organisms, so the process really involves breaking down mycotoxins and neutralizing their toxicity.

• Bleach that includes five percent sodium hypochlorite kills some of the more common mycotoxins, including trichothecene and aflatoxin.

• The intense heat of fire can destroy mycotoxins. At 500°F, detoxification takes 30 minutes.

• Ozone is effective against most mycotoxins, but it requires a level that is unsafe for humans.

Mycotoxins will eventually break down on their own, but it can take several years for some varieties.

Traditional mold remediation can disperse spores and mycotoxins into the air, allowing them to settle and take hold in other areas. Our MoldExterm process removes mold and fungus quickly and efficiently while preventing future outbreaks. Contact Stern Mold today for a free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Tips, Mold Treatment
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