Category Archives: Mold Identification

Does Black Mold Smell?

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The Nose Knows.

The Nose Knows.

When it comes to mold and fungus, out of sight is not out of mind. Sometimes an infestation develops in a hidden or out-of-the-way space, and the first clue comes through your nose rather than your eyes. What causes the odor, and what steps should you take to remove it?

The Nose Knows

Mold and fungus produce several gasses known as microbial volatile organic compounds, or MVOC. Many of them are odorless, but some of these gasses emit that stale, musty odor that’s commonly associated with mold.

While the smell of mold is unpleasant on its own, it’s indicative of a more serious health threat. If you can smell mold, chances are high that you’re inhaling both MVOC and mold spores themselves. Some of these compounds are mycotoxins that can cause physical and mental ailments ranging from sinus infections to depression.

How Do You Remove Mold Odor?

Scented candles, sprays and other conventional air fresheners are only temporary solutions because they simply mask the smell. The only way to truly rid your home or office of mold odor is to remove the source.

If you smell that tell-tale musty odor, don’t rely on an over-the-counter mold test. Professionally trained technicians such as the ones at Stern Mold have the know-how to get accurate results and the experience to determine where to look for mold and fungus.

MoldExterm: A Non-Toxic, Non-Invasive Solution

Traditional mold remediation will remove the smell along with a good chunk of building materials. Contact us for a free mold inspection in NYC or northern NJ and learn why MoldExterm is the most effective way to remove and prevent mold and fungus.

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

WebMD Weighs in On Mold Health Issues

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Health Risks of Mold

Health Risks of Mold

Each month nearly 10 million people turn to WebMD for medical information and advice about managing their health. Here’s what the site has to say about the risks of indoor mold and fungus as well as tips for controlling its growth.

Health Risks of Mold

Touching or inhaling mold spores can result in allergic reactions such as sneezing, itchy and runny eyes, and skin rashes. While symptoms are more intense in people who are sensitive to mold, they can also occur in people who are not normally prone to allergies.

Individuals with pre-existing upper respiratory conditions like asthma are extremely susceptible to symptoms of mold exposure. Others at high risk include infants and children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems.

Moisture: The Lifeblood of Mold

Mold is omnipresent so it’s impossible to eliminate completely, but you can take measures to prevent mold from infesting indoor surfaces. The most important step is controlling moisture, which is the main ingredient that mold needs to thrive.

If you find mold and fungus growing in your home or building, this means the conditions are right, whether it’s due to a broken water pipe, excess humidity or leak in the basement. Removing the mold is only a cosmetic solution, and the problem will reoccur unless you address the underlying cause.

MoldExterm Destroys Mold and Fungus, Not Your Home or Building

Do you suspect mold in your NYC or northern NJ home or business? Stern Mold’s proprietary MoldExterm system removes fungus and lays down a protective barrier while sparing walls, counters and other building materials. Contact us today to schedule a free mold inspection from our professionally trained technicians.

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

Understanding Your Mold Testing Results

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Unsure of What Mold Lurks in Your Office?

What Do Mold Testing Results Mean

One of the best ways to ascertain whether or not you have a mold infestation problem is to get a professional NYC mold inspection test. There are two different but related tests.

ERMI

The foremost and most complete test is called the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index or the ERMI for short. This test is done by capturing mold spores in dust samples and genetically testing them to find out what species of mold that they are.

HERTSMI

The Health Effects Roster of Type Specific Formers of Mycotoxins and Inflammagens, or the HERTSMI mold test, is essentially an ERMI light test that only identifies the 5 toxic molds that may inhabit your home or building. This test uses the same genetic protocol as the above ERMI test, but only looks for toxic molds that are known contributors to health issues.

Dust Samples

Suitable samples are taken using a special cloth to collect the dust, and these samples are then tested for mold spores. Once the mold types have been identified, you will be able to choose a specific course of action to eliminate your mold infestation and keep it from coming back.

If you are concerned that you may have a mold problem in your home or business setting, please contact Stern Mold for a free NYC mold inspection at no charge to you. We will answer all of your questions regarding toxic molds and potential health issues, and we will also explain to you the most effective mold treatment available, called MoldExterm. Stern Mold, serving the New Jersey, New York City, and Long Island areas since 1995.

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

The CDC Weighs in on the Problem with Mold

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CDC Weighs in on Mold

CDC Weighs in on Mold

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the preeminent organization in the United States devoted to protecting the nation from health and safety risks. Mold is considered such a serious threat that they have devoted an entire section of their website to facts and prevention tips.

Here is some of the helpful information CDC provides about the problem of mold and its impact on your health:

• Mold can be found everywhere. Thousands of species are present both indoors and outdoors, primarily in warm and damp locations, although spores can survive inhospitable conditions.

• Moisture is the primary culprit behind indoor mold. You can reduce the risk of mold infestation by controlling humidity, repairing leaks promptly and keeping damp areas well-ventilated.

• Exposure to mold can trigger upper-respiratory allergic reactions, although you don’t have to specifically suffer from allergies to experience health problems. Symptoms include nasal congestion, coughing and wheezing, and sore throat.

• While Stern Mold offers northern NJ and NYC free mold inspections, it’s not necessary or even recommended to identify the particular species. Any type of mold can present a health risk, so it should always be removed promptly.

• If you suspect mold exposure, consult your primary care physician immediately. He will determine your best course of action, which may include referral to a specialist.

Stern Mold Provides Effective, Eco-Friendly Mold Removal and Prevention

Safeguard the good health of yourself and your family. Schedule your northern NJ or NYC free mold inspection by our experienced and trained technicians. Have more questions? Visit our Mold Information Center to learn more.

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

Common Mold Types Found in Buildings and Condos

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Common Molds

Common Molds

Mold is generic term that covers more than just one type of mold found in buildings and condos. Each mold shares characteristics but the main types have certain identifiable features, all of which require NYC mold treatment.

Alternia

This is the most common type of mold and one of the biggest causes of allergic reactions. Alternia concentrations are highest in the summer when their spores come inside through dry winds.

Aspergillus

This mold is often found as the culprit of mold infestations in buildings. The spores of aspergillus are toxic and exist in higher quantities inside. This toxic mold can cause health issues in humans and animals.

Cladosporium

This mold thrives at nearly all temperatures, including extreme cold. It can be a major cause of asthma attacks.

Penicillium

This toxic mold has a colorful appearance that can be green, blue or yellow. This type of mold contains mycotoxins that humans developed into the beneficial antibiotic of penicillin.

Stachybotrys

Commonly called “black mold,” this type of mold is highly toxic and thrives on cotton, paper and wood. It dominates other types of mold that already have established colonies.

Many forms of mold are impossible to detect without professional assistance. Mold can live in the walls, floors and ceilings of a building without being seen. Even when you can’t see mold, it can cause health issues that require help from NYC mold treatment. Sometimes it can spread unseen for such a long period that it requires intensive treatment and removal. Protecting health and preserving building structures should be the top priority of every property owner.

NYC mold treatment from Stern Mold provides safe, effective mold removal solutions.

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