Category Archives: Mold & Your Health

Find Out How to Report Mold Found in Your Workplace

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Find Out How to Report Mold in the Workplace

Find Out How to Report Mold in the Workplace

Mold problems aren’t limited to residential buildings. Any structure with organic materials and moisture can be a breeding ground for mold infestations. Our NYC mold removal experts offer helpful tips on reporting mold found in your workplace.

How to Report Mold in the Workplace

• Notify your manager or supervisor as soon as you discover signs of mold. Send it via email so your report is documented.

• Lead off by stating where and when you first saw mold and approximately how large of an area it covered.

• Include details about the location, including signs of moisture or water damage such as condensation, leaky pipes, dark surface stains or structural damage.

• If you don’t receive a response to your email within a couple of days, have a follow-up conversation with your manager or supervisor. Contact the human resources department or a higher-ranking manager if no action is taken.

• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards call for wet materials to be thoroughly dried and cleaned with 24 to 48 hours after a flood or other event involving water. Remind management of this recommendation if the workplace sustains any water damage.

• If your company fails to address a mold issue, contact the local OSHA office.

Stern Mold: The Leader in Residential and Commercial NYC Mold Removal

Our NYC mold removal technicians are experienced in effective treatment for both residential and commercial buildings. Contact us to schedule a free mold inspection and consultation.

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

Sensitive to Mold? Tips for Traveling Mold-Free

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Travel Tips on Mold

Travel Tips for Traveling Mold-Free

Whether traveling for business or pleasure, don’t let headaches, sneezing and coughing or other symptoms of mold exposure interfere with your plans. Our NYC mold removal experts offer helpful tips for traveling mold-free while away from home.

Tips for Avoiding Mold Exposure While Traveling

• Start inspecting the hotel as soon as you step into the lobby. Check the ceilings, walls and vents for water stains or signs of mold.

• Look for condensation on your room’s windows, which indicates moisture is at a high level.

• Use electrostatic dust cloths to wipe down vents. Dust traps mold and aggravates upper respiratory allergic symptoms.

• EC3 mold spray is an all-natural product that removes mold spores and mycotoxins. Mist the entire room with EC3 mold spray, taking care to include drapes, carpeting, furniture, bedding and hard surfaces such as desk tops.

• Supplement the spray by burning portable EC3 candles that remove microscopic mold spores circulating in the air.

• Carry a squirt dispenser of anti-bacterial and anti-fungal nasal spray and apply at least twice daily.

• Mold growth isn’t always visible. Be alert to the distinctive musty smell that indicates the presence of mold.

• Don’t be afraid to speak up. As a paying guest, you have the right to stay in a room that doesn’t present a health risk. Take pictures in case you need evidence for the future.

Quality NYC Mold Removal by Stern Mold

Our technicians have experience treating mold issues in all types of buildings. Contact us for more information.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, News, NJ Mold Removal, NYC Mold Removal

Mold in Hotels Creates a Dangerous Overnight Stay for Guests

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Mold in Hotels is a Hidden Yet Dangerous Problem

Mold in Hotels is a Hidden Yet Dangerous Problem

Hotels rely on word-of-mouth and repeat guests to keep a steady stream of business. Few things will hurt a hotel’s reputation more than the presence of mold. Here’s a look at why New Jersey mold removal should be a priority for all hotels.

Mold Risk Factors in Hotels

• Guests are constantly adjusting in-room air conditioning units for their own comfort. Along with controlling temperature,  air conditioning creates condensation that forms a breeding ground for mold.

• Wallpaper and carpeting, elements of just about every hotel room, trap moisture and provide organic nutrients mold loves to feed on.

• Hotels require a large water supply system, increasing the possibility of leaks, burst pipes and flooding.

Tips to Control Mold Growth

• A high-quality professional housekeeping staff is a must for any hotel. Employees should be thoroughly trained to recognize signs of mold and report them promptly to their supervisor.

• Turn off air conditioning in any unoccupied rooms.

• Reduce condensation by insulating partition walls.

• Be respectful and courteous if a guest reports a mold issue. Do everything possible to place them in more suitable accommodations. Exceptional customer service goes a long way toward maintaining the good will of guests.

Experienced New Jersey Mold Removal for Businesses

Traditional mold remediation can disrupt your business for days, even weeks. Our proprietary MoldExterm program is non-intrusive, eco-friendly and cost-effective. Contact Stern Mold to schedule a free inspection and consultation by members of our friendly and knowledgeable technicians.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Remediation, Mold Treatment, MoldExterm, News, NJ Mold Removal, NYC Mold Removal

What Illnesses Are Caused by Mold Exposure and Mold Spore Inhalation

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What Illnesses Are Caused by Mold Exposure and Mold Spore Inhalation

What Illnesses Are Caused by Mold Exposure and Mold Spore Inhalation

Mold infestations are unsightly, but health risks presented by circulating mold spores are a more urgent consideration. Our Manhattan mold removal services reduce the danger of contracting a number of illnesses connected with exposure to and inhalation of mold spores.

Upper Respiratory Symptoms

As mold spores are inhaled, they tend to settle in the moist, sensitive membranes lining nasal passages. The immune system attempts to battle these “intruders” by producing antibodies, which results in reactions such as coughing, sneezing and itchy, watery eyes. People with pre-existing allergies are more vulnerable to these ailments, but even individuals with no history of allergies can become susceptible.

Lung Diseases

• Studies have shown a possible link between mold exposure and asthma in children. While to date there’s no evidence this applies to adults, mold exposure can increase the frequency and severity of attacks with individuals who already suffer from asthma.

• Aspergillosis is a range of diseases taking their name from Aspergillus, which is the specific form of mold that triggers them. Examples include Aspergilloma, a literal fungus ball that forms in lungs or sinuses, and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, where cavities form in the lungs over three or more months

Impaired Brain Function

Surprisingly, medical researchers have found evidence suggesting a connection between mold exposure and depression along with impaired cognitive abilities such as memory and impulse control.

Safeguard Your Health with Manhattan Mold Removal

Good health is an invaluable asset. Gain peace of mind when you contact Stern Mold to schedule a free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Treatment, News

What Molds Are Considered Toxic?

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Poor Air Quality Due to Mold Could Be Affecting Your Health

Poor Air Quality Due to Mold Could Be Affecting Your Health

“Toxic” is a term commonly applied to a number of diverse things ranging from chemicals to relationships. So what does the word mean when it’s used in reference to mold? Please allow our NYC mold removal experts to separate facts from fiction.

Is Toxic Mold Really Toxic?

In a word, no. Toxicity actually lies in chemicals called mycotoxins that are produced and released by mold. Different mold species may produce one or more varieties of mycotoxins, but the chemicals have no intrinsic value to mold’s reproductive process so scientists are still unclear as to their purpose.

Are “Toxic Mold” and “Black Mold” the Same?

Black mold does produce mycotoxins, but the term is a shorthand name for a specific type of mold called Stachybotrys chartarum. Aspergillus and other forms of toxic mold can appear in colors such as gray, gold and yellow- or blue-green.

Is Toxic Mold a Health Hazard?

“Toxic” is sometimes interpreted as “fatal,” and while exposure to mycotoxins almost never rises to a deadly level, it can adversely affect health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists upper-respiratory symptoms such as sneezing and coughing as possible results from mycotoxin exposure, even in people who have not previously suffered from allergies.

People with asthma, compromised immune systems and similar pre-existing conditions are particularly vulnerable to mycotoxins, as are young children and the elderly.

Stern Mold: The Top NYC Mold Removal Professionals

Toxic or not, indoor mold infestations should be treated immediately. Contact Stern Mold for more information.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Treatment, News
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