Category Archives: Mold & Your Health

Mold and Children – Know the Facts

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As adults, we don’t want to take the chance for any health risks and expose ourselves to mold, and mold treatment is the best option. Yet, as bad as it is for adults, increasing evidence suggests it is far worse for kids than previously determined.

Reactive Airway Disease

Usually associated with asthma, although they are not one and the same, reactive airway disease can be influenced by many types of airborne particles, particularly mold spores. Mold spores can adversely affect a child’s immune system, so later in life there may be an increased negative reaction to inhaled antigens of all types.

If your child does have asthma, or any type of reactive airway disease, mold spores are known to bring on asthma attacks. If exposure is excessive, there’s a possibility that the child may develop hemorrhagic pneumonia, or worse – deaths have also been reported.

Don’t Take Chances

If you see any signs that there is a mold infestation in your home, particularly in places that are damp, like bathrooms or laundry rooms, get it checked out. Granted, no one wants to be exposed to any type of mold spores, but research now proves that it may be far worse for kids than what was formerly known.

If you have any questions about mold infestation or want to know about mold treatment in your residence, count on the professionals at Stern Mold. We are part of the Stern Environmental Group and will answer all of your questions. Ask for our free mold inspection. We have been serving the New Jersey, New York City, and Long Island area since 1995.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Tips, News

Tenants: Moving Out When Mold Moves In

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Moving out when mold moves in is actually a tricky situation. Regardless of anything else, and no matter where you live, you can’t just drop everything and leave. There are certain protocols that must be adhered to before you can legally move out.

Notification

The first thing to do if mold is found, is to notify your landlord. This is an absolute must, and once notified the landlord must remedy the situation in a timely manner.

However, if you wait too long or know about leaking pipes or a high humidity situation, like when an exhaust fan in the bathroom goes out, you yourself might be held liable for the mold infestation. This is why it’s important to notify your landlord at the first sign of a problem, or the first sign of mold.

Moving Out

In most states, the landlord will have 30 days to rectify the problem, and if it poses a health risk, the landlord may relocate you to another apartment or a hotel room until the mold extermination has been finished.

If the mold is considered a health risk and your landlord does nothing, you may be able to legally break your lease and leave. Make sure to keep documentation, like pictures and video, in case you must prove your case in court.

If you have any questions about mold extermination issues in your residence, rely on the professionals at Stern Mold. We are part of the Stern Environmental Group, and will answer all of your questions or do a free mold inspection. We have been serving the New Jersey, New York City, and Long Island area since 1995.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Tips, News

Should You Attempt to Remove Mold in Your Home?

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The answer requires an understanding of which type of mold you have. To reduce health risk and be certain, this is a question for your mold treatment professional. But there are a couple of things to look for that will help you make a decision.

Topical Mold

Topical mold is generally found in damp places that are not organic. Things like bathroom tiles, tub surrounds, plastic door and window thresholds, even mold on the surface of paint are all topical types of mold.

In most cases, a dedicated mold eating enzyme or a bleach solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water, should do the trick. You may have to scrub a bit, and always wear a face mask if you attempt this. In most cases, you’ll be able to successfully remove the mold.

Deep Seated Mold

Deep seated mold is generally found on organic substances. Drywall, wooden flooring, wall studs, plywood and the like, are considered organic substances.

What this means is that mold can actually penetrate these materials, which means that just wiping them away is not going to get rid of it. The mold will literally be growing beneath the surface, and in this instance, the only effective way to rid yourself of this type of mold problem is to call in a professional.

If you have any questions about topical or deep seated mold treatment issues in your residence, you can rely on the professionals at Stern Mold. We are part of the Stern Environmental Group, and we will answer all of your questions or do a free mold inspection. We have been serving the New Jersey, New York City, and Long Island area since 1995.

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

Fourth Patient Exposed to Mold in Pittsburgh Dies

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A fourth University of Pittsburgh Medical Center patient has died after contracting a fungal infection during a mold outbreak at the western Pennsylvania hospital. What caused the mold and fungus?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified a “negative pressure” room that was normally reserved for patients who already had infections as the likely source of the fungus. The rooms are designed to draw outside air in, but prevent air inside harboring potentially contagious disease from spreading to other patients. UPMC suspended the program September 21, 2015, but resumed it around a week later after reviewing procedures and treatments. UPMC spokeswoman Allison Hydzik stated the hospital wanted to “reassure our patients that we have taken every possible precaution to make our hospitals as safe as is humanly possible and have followed all recommendations made by federal and state regulators.”

Che DuVall, the 70-year-old retired glass cutter who passed away, was diagnosed with the infection in September a month after his double lung transplant. DuVall and other patients who died from the fungal infection were housed in the same room. He and his wife filed a lawsuit against UPMC alleging he was recklessly housed in a room that made him more susceptible to infection, which resulted in the removal of part of his new lungs.

UPMC declined to comment on the lawsuit, maintaining the deaths cannot be attributed to mold as transplant patients have weakened immune systems, increasing their risk of picking up infections that those who are otherwise healthy can routinely fight off.

Don’t let mold and fungus effect your health. Get rid of mold quickly and easily. Contact Stern Mold today.

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

Tenants Know Your Rights When It Comes to a Mold Problem

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Landlord-tenant relationships, and the court cases tied to their management, are nothing new. Following evictions, do you know what the second most common cause for court cases is? Complaints about neglected repairs, including mold treatment.

What should I do if I have a mold problem?
Your landlord is required to keep your home in fit and habitable condition, and mold problems could affect your family’s health and safety. Verbal reminders won’t cut it. Notify your landlord in writing documenting what needs to be fixed (roof leak, plumbing, etc.), keeping copies and proof of mailing as documentation you requested the repairs. Advise your landlord you will move from the property if the repairs aren’t made within a timely manner (i.e. starting repairs within 14 days), and finished within a reasonable amount of time.

Pursuing legal options
For those with extensive written documentation who have doggedly pursued mold treatment from landlords to no avail, filing a case with your local legal justice center may be of help – provided area law and your lease specifically stipulate the landlord as liable. Keep in mind, however, court costs are on the renter and decision in the hands of the judge, leaving your best outcomes reimbursement for damaged items, cleanup you contracted, or a lease broken without penalty and return of your security deposit.

Moving to escape mold
Many people become frustrated, simply moving to avoid moldy conditions. Unfortunately, without deep cleaning to affected furniture and upholstery, mold is moving with you.

Tired of living with mold in your rental home? Stern mold can help, offering free mold testing and affordable mold treatment options – without ripping out your walls. Contact Stern to learn more today.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Tips, MoldExterm
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