Category Archives: Mold Identification

EPA Shares Information on the Identification of Hazardous Mold

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The EPA Knows Mold!

The EPA Knows Mold!

You’re right to be concerned about mold and your health. Every year, mold leads to an incredible number of health issues for many people, and a lot of them don’t even realize they have mold problems. Fortunately, there are organizations that have done a lot of work to find out as much as they can about mold and its effect on us, as well as how to properly identify it. The EPA is one of those organizations.

Detecting Dangerous Molds

At one time, there wasn’t a lot that was known about different types of molds, and even less was known about the health consequences of them. However, two EPA scientists found a way to quickly detect and identify dangerous molds, including Stachybotrys (black mold), as well as several other types of molds. The technology they used allowed them to identify molds within a few hours, as opposed to a few weeks, like previous methods. This allows for quicker action on the part of professionals who can rectify the problem.

The Problem with Mold and Your Health

Did you know that there are as many as 100 different types of common indoor molds that are responsible for many of the health issues people face today? Sick building syndrome is a serious problem for many residential homes and commercial buildings. However, mold can stay hidden for a long time in water damaged areas that don’t receive much or any traffic. By the time it’s discovered, quite often, significant health damage has already been done.

A mold inspection is recommended for anyone who is concerned about a potential mold issue. Contact us here at Stern Mold for help.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification

EPA Releases Homeowner’s Guide to Mold

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The EPA Knows Mold!

The EPA Knows Mold!

Mold. No one likes it and no one wants to have it in their home or business. It not only damages drywall and other materials, mold also poses a health hazard resulting in upper respiratory inflammation that can lead to chronic symptoms.

There are over 100,000 species of mold and 200,000 species of fungus. Each has its own properties and reactions to the environment and the weather. Regardless of which species is affecting your property, the MoldExterm System, available from Stern Mold, can remove the problem with an affordable treatment – usually in one day.

MoldExterm is a bio remedial treatment process that goes beyond traditional remediation treatments that require removing the affected materials. The MoldExterm treatment process has two parts. First, the infested area is treated with a solution that kills fungi, viruses, and bacteria leaving the area disinfected.

The second part of the mold treatment eliminates mold from reoccurring via a polymer sealer applied to the affected surfaces, which serves as a barrier to prevent an area from becoming infested again in the future.

With MoldExterm, unlike regular remediation, there’s no need to tear out original building materials to remove the mold-infested areas. This can result in significant savings to property owners especially those with large areas containing moldy material.

Along with the mold treatment process from Stern Mold, a professional-grade dehumidifier is also installed to help control moisture within the property.

The patent-pending MoldExterm treatment process comes with a warranty that guarantees mold-free results and customer satisfaction.

When mold makes an appearance, it’s time to call in the mold specialists at Stern Mold. Contact us to schedule a free inspection and price quote.

Posted in Mold Identification, MoldExterm, News

How to Get Mold Out of Your Kids’ Stuffed Animals

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

Kill Mold Spores

While mold can be bad for anyone’s health, it’s particularly dangerous for young children. Stuffed toys made with organic materials such as cotton and wool can form a breeding ground for mold, especially if your child chews on them.

Don’t take chances with your child’s health. Use these mold tips to sanitize any stuffed toys that may be harboring fungal growth.

Removing Mold from Stuffed Animals

1. Wash the stuffed animal in the machine or by hand, using the hottest water possible along with a detergent containing color-safe bleach. The combination of heat and bleach helps to kill mold spores.

2. Vinegar is another substance that kills mold spores and also removes the musty odor. Try:

• Adding one-half to one cup of vinegar to the wash cycle.

• If you prefer, pour one cup of vinegar directly into the wash water before adding the stuffed animal. The water will dilute the vinegar, allowing it to lighten the fabric evenly instead of leaving bleached areas.

3. Moisture is the key ingredient for mold growth, so wring out the stuffed animal thoroughly and use a towel to blot.

4. Hang the stuffed animal outdoors in the sunlight, which will serve to destroy any remaining mold. If there are still signs of mold after a full day in the sun, spray the animal with a mix of one part water to one part vinegar and hang it out for a second day.

Stern Mold: Serving NYC and Northern NJ

We have been providing effective mold removal service for more than 20 years. Visit our website for more helpful mold tips and schedule a free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Remediation, Mold Treatment, News

How is Mold Different Than Fungus?

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Not The Fungus You Want

The Difference

When it comes to mold and fungus, it’s common to hear these terms used interchangeably. Although mold and fungus do have similarities, they’re not quite the same. It’s important to understand the differences between these two, so you can make sure your property is effectively treated for a mold or fungus problem.

Classification and Appearance

Mold is classified as a fungus, and fungus belongs to a separate classification group that does not include bacteria, animals or plants. Fungus comes in a wide range of colors and appearances, and the same applies to mold. Mold spores are too small to see on their own, but they take on a visible appearance when they grow in clumps or groups. These spores can end up having a black, slimy appearance or a fuzzy orange or brown appearance. Mold can also be white, yellow or several other colors.

Types of Mold and Fungus

More than 200,000 species of fungus exist, including mold and lichen. Fungus can change appearance and even develop features associated with different types when it is exposed to certain moisture levels and weather conditions. There are more than 100,000 species of mold in our environment. Some of these can cause allergic reactions, while others can make people with weakened immune systems ill. Certain types of mold can cause serious illness.

Whether you have mold or another type of fungus, it’s crucial to have it take care of as soon as possible to reduce health risks.

If you think you have mold, contact Stern Mold to schedule a free inspection. We can determine if you have a mold problem and take steps to get rid of it.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification, News

Did You Know that NY Protects Mold Treatment and Mold Inspection Consumers?

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NYC Protects

NYC Protects

Mold treatment is a hot topic, and any mold infestation is serious business. But New York is leading the way when it comes to mold treatment requirements for contractors. Here is the lowdown on what New York is doing for you.

Training, Licensing and Work Standards

The big three when it comes to mold remediation are training, licensing and work standards.

In New York, contractors are required to obtain appropriate training before becoming licensed. So you, as a consumer, can be assured that the company that you choose will employ skilled professionals to combat a mold problem.

With licensing comes the privilege of advertising the business, and that means any company that advertises must have skilled and professional technicians that have been licensed and certified.

The work standards criteria means that you are protected from fraud, such as all disinfectant products must be identified as accepted by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards, that employees use personal protection equipment as needed, that they must post notice of the project and all licenses, and that there will be a post-remediation assessment when the job has been completed.

New York is On Your Side

Mold can certainly be a serious problem, and the State of New York has set up guidelines for contractors to make sure that consumers get quality mold remediation from the contractor that they choose.

If you have any questions about mold remediation and the laws that govern mold removal, please contact Stern Mold. Serving all of the NY and NJ areas, we use the latest technology in mold removal and offer free inspections for your peace of mind.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Remediation, News
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