Category Archives: Mold Identification

Mold 101: Mold Biology – the Facts for NYC & NJ Residents

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All About Mold

Over the last few years a lot of attention has been paid to mold in homes and businesses in NYC and NJ. But how much do you actually know about mold, other than it’s the green slimy stuff that turns up on dead tree logs?

Your family’s health could depend on your awareness of mold. Here are some facts about mold, how it develops and grows, and how to fight it.

How Does Mold Grow?

Whether it’s called mold or mildew, these tiny organisms are simple life forms that, unlike many plants and other organisms, lack the ability to photosynthesize, which is creating food from carbon dioxide and water. Mold absorbs its nutrients from organic materials like the aforementioned logs or common household surfaces such as carpeting, paper and food products.

Mold spores are present in the atmosphere everywhere, and you come in contact with them daily. Problems arise when a spore settles on a damp surface and begins to multiply. Eventually the mold will appear as a circular spot due to outward growth of the hyphae, which are the filament-like forms taken by the organisms.

Fighting Mold from the Bottom Up

Due to the nature of mold’s life cycle, it’s not enough to clean up an infestation no matter how thoroughly it’s done. The cause of the moisture, whether it’s a water leak or excessive humidity, must be corrected to prevent future developments.

Contact Us for Effective Manhattan Mold Removal and Prevention

Our proprietary two-step MoldExterm Manhattan mold removal process uses a powerful anti-microbial to eliminate mold and leaves a polymer sealer behind to prevent future infestations. Visit our website to learn more.

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

A First Hand Experience with Mold Contamination

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Mold Isn't Just In Old Buildings, Find Out if You're Safe Before It's Too Late.

Mold Contamination

While there has been a great deal written about the problem of mold contamination, nothing is as powerful as hearing a story first-hand. Lee Ann and Kurt Billings wrote their book MOLD: The War Within to share their experiences and findings with others.

Tested Tips for Dealing with Mold Infestation

The Billings book relates a number of practical suggestions based on solutions they used to fight their own mold problem:

• Install a HEPA air purifier in each bedroom for clean sleeping. If that’s a bit of a stretch for your budget, create a temporary communal sleeping room as the Billings family did until they could purchase enough purifiers.

• Open doors and windows whenever possible to minimize exposure to mold and spores.

• Sugar and grains can cause fungi in the body to multiply. Eliminate consumption of these items and choose a diet rich in organic vegetables along with antibiotic- and hormone-free lean meats.

• Become a “food detective” and learn as much as possible about peanuts, corn and other foods that are potential sources of mycotoxins. Don’t rely strictly on labels – that can be misleading.

• Invest in a juicer. Drinking juices made from fresh, organic fruits and vegetables changes the alkaline level in your body, making it difficult for mold and fungi to take hold. For best results, consume the juices within 15 minutes of preparation.

Is Your Home or Office in Need of NYC Mold Treatment?

Did you know you can have a reaction to mold exposure even if you haven’t previously suffered from allergies? Contact Stern Mold to learn more about our non-invasive, eco-friendly NYC mold treatment and schedule your free mold inspection.

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

Got Mold? So Do These Celebrities.

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Celebrity Mold Issues

Mold is an equal opportunity invader that has no regard for fame, wealth or status. Here are some well-known celebrities who have had their own nightmarish experiences with mold infesting their homes.

Ted Nugent Hunts a Different Type of Prey

In 2003, rock star and hunting enthusiast Ted Nugent, along with his wife and son, tested positive for toxic mold poisoning after experiencing symptoms such as chronic fatigue, insomnia and breathing problems. His wife Shemane, a health and fitness expert, related the story on her blog, describing how they were forced to walk away from their 5,000 square-foot home in Michigan with only the clothes on their backs.

Lou Ferrigno Is Taken Down by a Microscopic Killer

Lou Ferrigno, former competitive body-builder best known for playing the Hulk on TV, sued his insurance company when one of their inspectors failed to discover a water leak in his home that led to a mold infestation. An out-of-court settlement was reached, but damage was so extensive that it took more than a year to complete the repairs.

Mold Silences Singer Katrina Parker

Katrina Parker was an aspiring singer who appeared on NBC’s competition show “The Voice.” During interviews, she explained how she had to put her career on hold for two years when she became seriously ill due to mold in her apartment.

Stern Mold: The Gold Standard in NYC Mold Treatment

Don’t let mold drive you out of your home or business. Contact us for more information about MoldExterm, our proprietary NYC mold treatment program that safely and effectively removes the problem and leaves a barrier preventing future infestations.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, News

Did You Know Mold Testing Has to Be Done by a Separate Firm?

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Did You Know Mold Testing Has to Be Done by a Separate Firm?

Did You Know Mold Testing Has to Be Done by a Separate Firm?

Sloppy and ineffective removal of mold and fungus can end up making the problem worse instead of resolving it. New York is one of several states that have enacted training requirements to protect consumers.

New York Adds Strict Regulations for Mold Assessors and Contractors

Here are the significant points of the mold law that took effect in New York during the past year.

• As of January 1, 2016, anyone working in the mold remediation industry must be properly trained and licensed. This includes assessors, contractors and all of their employees.

• Any jobs involving mold remediation or disturbance must be reviewed by a licensed mold assessor at both the start and completion of the project.

• All mold removal and clean-up jobs must be conducted by a licensed remediation contractor.

• According to the mold legislation, anyone holding a license to perform mold-related services is specifically barred from conducting both the assessment and the remediation.

• Violations of the mold law can result in civil penalties that range from $2,000 to $10,000.

Stern Mold: The Leading Mold and Fungus Removal Service in NYC

If you suspect the presence of mold and fungus in your NYC home or business, you need a company that you can trust. Using our proprietary MoldExterm system, our friendly and professionally trained technicians usually take only one day to effectively solve your mold problem.

MoldExterm is a two-step treatment that removes mold from affected surfaces and then applies a patented polymer sealer to prevent mold from returning for up to five years. Contact us to schedule a free mold inspection and learn more about the MoldExterm difference.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Law, Mold Treatment, MoldExterm, News

Where to Look for Mold in NYC Apartments and Co-ops

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Know the Facts About Mold.

Know the Facts About Mold.

Due to the combination of aging buildings and increased consumer awareness, there has been a significant increase in lawsuits involving mold and fungus in NYC apartments and co-ops. Here are three red flags that could signal the right conditions for mold development.

1. Leaks from Neighboring Units

If an upstairs or next-door unit experiences a broken pipe or flooding, mold could be developing out of sight behind your apartment walls. Water leaks are actually more common in newer buildings, which use plastic instead of copper or galvanized steel for water lines.

2. Blocked PTAC Units

A packaged terminal air conditioner, or PTAC, is a self-contained heating and cooling system often found in apartment buildings and condominiums. These units are installed through the wall and require twice-yearly maintenance. If the drain becomes clogged because of a dirty filter, the condensate pan will leak and the damage can go undiscovered until it’s too late.

3. Broken Washing Machine Hose

Even today’s high-end washing machines usually come with rubber hoses that eventually develop leaks. You can head off damage by replacing the original hose with one that’s wrapped in stainless steel, which can be purchased fairly inexpensively at hardware or home improvement stores.

Stern Mold: Your #1 Choice for Mold and Fungus Removal in NYC

Traditional mold and fungus remediation involves removal of affected surfaces, which often results in scattering mold spores throughout the home. Our non-invasive MoldExterm system usually takes no more than a day and includes a polymer sealer to resist future mold infestations. Contact us to schedule your free mold inspection by our friendly and professionally-trained technicians.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, MoldExterm
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