Category Archives: Mold & Your Health

Landlords, Judges May Not Be On Your Side With Mold Infestation

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Can your tenant break a lease or withhold rent because of a mold problem? Judges are sending a clear message to landlords: if you know about a mold infestation, you are obligated to resolve it.

To keep your properties occupied and paying rent, the best course of action is to bring in an NYC mold treatment service as soon as the problem becomes known. The law often allows a tenant to stop paying and move out because of the health effects of mold.

Case study: Will a judge side with the tenant in a mold situation?

In a Detroit suburb recently, a landlord attempted to sue a tenant for rent after she moved her family out of the house. A district judge denied his case — and directed a local official to “red tag” the property as uninhabitable.

Although landlord-tenant laws vary by city and state, the Detroit case serves as a warning that courts take mold infestation safety cases seriously.

The tenant in Detroit said the landlord knew about the mold problem before she moved in. Over several months, she and her two children suffered ailments ranging from full-body rashes to hospitalization.

Eventually, the family vacated the property and ceased paying rent. The mother paid for mold testing to verify the problem, but the landlord did not respond with mold treatment.

New York courts are siding with tenants when landlords fail to resolve mold problems. The good news is that Stern Mold offers a fast and affordable NYC mold treatment service that does not require removing walls or renovating the property.

Contact Stern Mold for a free mold inspection and estimate for NYC mold treatment.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, News

The Low-Down from the CDC on Mold and Health Issues

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Mold surrounds us, but not all mold poses a significant health risk. How do you know if your household contains dangerous mold? The Centers for Disease Control provides straightforward information to help explain the health effects of mold, how to treat mold, and who faces the highest risk.

If you believe your household has a mold problem, get a mold inspection and consider your options for NYC mold treatment.

Key facts to know about mold:

  • Mold itself is generally not toxic — but some mold emits toxins.
  • Evidence links household mold with illnesses including upper respiratory tract infections and asthma-related problems.
  • Mold may contribute to children developing asthma.
  • Healthy people can get sick from mold infestations. Children and people with compromised immune systems face a higher risk.

Mold Treatment Recommendations from the CDC

The CDC says that small mold problems can be treated with bleach, but this method does not always successfully treat mold. Mold can regrow after bleach cleaning, feeding off the water in the solution. Bleach also fails to eradicate mold from deep inside floors, ceilings, and walls.

The CDC also recommends that you remove damaged materials such as drywall. However, new technology makes it possible to avoid this drastic step. The MoldExterm system kills mold and seals the surface, protecting your indoor air quality and health.

Mold problems should be treated professionally to prevent respiratory illness and other harmful effects of mold exposure. The good news is that NYC mold treatment from Stern Mold offers a simple, lasting solution that does not require traditional mold remediation.

For more info about advanced NYC mold treatment services, contact Stern Mold and schedule a free inspection.

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

Don’t Burn Your House Down to Get Rid of Mold!

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Don't Burn Tour House Down

Don’t Burn Your House Down Getting Rid of Mold!

Once mold problems take hold, it could begin to effect your health in many ways. Itchy eyes, upper respiratory disorders, coughing, sneezing, and other symptoms might occur if you are exposed to the mold spores in your home. Try as you might, you may not be able to get rid of it, and one woman took drastic measures to do so.

Burning Down the House

In Liberty, MO, a 37 year old woman decided that she had enough of the mold issue where she lived, and that the best way to rid herself of the problem was to burn down her house! Of course, for the best in NYC mold treatment, burning down the house is not the right answer, but contacting Stern Mold is.

The MoldExterm System

Stern mold uses a two part system to eliminate mold. The first part of this remedial application is a powerful antimicrobial which destroys mold and the viruses and bacteria associated with it, while effectively disinfecting and deodorizing too. The second part is the polymer sealer, which literally, seals off the surface so mold is physically repelled and can never grow on the surface again. You can even paint over this sealant with no worry of compromising its effectiveness.

So don’t burn your house down to get rid of a mold problem. Contact us at Stern Mold for a free mold inspection and price quote. It’s just that easy.

For the best in NYC mold treatment, rely on Stern Mold. We are part of the Stern Environmental Group, and have been serving the New Jersey, New York City, and Long Island area since 1995.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Remediation, News

Mold: What Every Home Owner Fears

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With the apparent prevalence of news stories about infested homes, it seems appropriate that “mold” is a four-letter word. Just the mention of it can send shivers down a homeowner’s spine. But is mold really something that should inspire such fear?

The truth is that mold is nothing new. Advice about mold treatment can even be found in the Biblical book of Leviticus. While it seems as though the problem has grown, experts say it’s simply that there’s more awareness of it today.

Nelson Barnes Jr., a mold treatment expert in the Washington, DC area, explains that mold is a plant that poses no threat as long as you don’t touch or eat it. The danger arises from inhaling the spores that begin circulating in the air, causing respiratory problems ranging from coughing and sneezing to asthma attacks.

Mold spores are present everywhere, according to Rob Hopkin of ProTec Inspection Services. Issues stem from a concentration of spores that is greater indoors than outside. From there it takes only food, water and the right temperature for mold to multiply.

Households generally have the right mix of food and temperature to promote mold growth, leaving moisture as the ingredient that is easiest to control. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a major event like a burst pipe to grow mold. All it takes is a relative humidity level above 60 percent.

Unlike traditional remediation, our proprietary MoldExterm method controls moisture and spore transmission, the two biggest factors in mold reproduction. Visit our website to learn more about why Stern Mold is the leader in quick and effective mold treatment.

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

Can You Live in a House with Mold?

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So you’ve discovered a patch of mold in your house and you’re unsure about what to do next. Do you and your family need to leave, or can you proceed as normal while dealing with the situation? The answer can depend on the effects of the mold as well as the method of mold treatment.

The nature of mold

While the presence of mold is off-putting, the substance plays an important role in the cycle of nature by decomposing dead organic materials such as wood. When mold develops indoors, it can cause damage by acting on porous materials like drywall and carpeting. Indoor mold is a sign of a leak or other water problem that must be addressed.

Health effects of mold

Mold spores are a major allergen that causes upper respiratory distress ranging from coughing and sneezing to sore, itchy eyes. Children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable. Consult your physician if you suspect that you or a family member are exhibiting symptoms related to mold exposure.

Treatment or remediation?

It may not be physically necessary to leave your home during remediation, but the disruption could cause you to seek other quarters. Remediation often involves pulling out furniture and building surfaces affected by mold, and the lengthy process can take days or even weeks.

Our proprietary MoldExterm treatment is usually completed within one day and works proactively to prevent future reoccurrence. Contact us to schedule an appointment and let our mold treatment experts handle the problem safely and effectively with little disruption to your household.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Treatment, News
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