Category Archives: Mold Identification

Black Mold Health Symptoms, What Are They?

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Black Mold Symptoms

Black Mold Symptoms

Black mold generally occurs in chronically damp areas like laundry rooms, bathrooms, pool rooms and spas. But it can also grow if there are leaking pipes, flooding or in any situation where water and dampness are present over a prolonged period of time. The only way to rid these areas of black mold is through mold treatment.

Symptoms to Look For

If you have been exposed to toxic black mold, here are some of the symptoms to be on the lookout for. They generally cause respiratory distress in one way or another, so that should be the first clue.

• Chronic coughing

• Chronic sneezing

• Watery and itchy eyes

• Irritation of the nose and throat

• Fatigue

• Persistent headaches

• Red blotchy rashes on the body

A severe allergic reaction may entail:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Bleeding from the lungs, nose and mouth

Free Mold Inspection

Of course, these are just general symptoms, and some of them may have other causes. But if you do have any of these symptoms and fear a black mold infestation, call in the professionals at Stern Mold for a free mold inspection.

The Bottom Line

Mold treatment is the only way to eliminate a toxic black mold infestation. If you have noticed toxic black mold, or exhibit any of the chronic symptoms above, don’t take any chances. Rely on the professionals at Stern Mold to rid your home of toxic black mold. We’re part of the Stern Environmental Group and we will answer all of your questions or schedule a free mold inspection for your residence. Stern Mold has been serving the New Jersey, New York City, and Long Island area since 1995.

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

Is It Mold? Is It Mildew? How to Tell

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Mold Anatomy

The Difference Between Mold And Mildew

Some types of fungi, mold and mildew share a “family” resemblance. So when you discover a suspicious patch in your home, how can you tell which one it is?

Differences between Mold and Mildew

Telltale clues in appearance help to distinguish between mold and mildew.

• Mildew usually starts out white or yellow, changing to brown or black over time. Mold can be found in a wide range of colors, including pink, green, brown, black and grey.

• If a patch of fungus is powdery or downy to the touch, it’s most likely mildew. Mold, on the other hand, has a fuzzy texture.

• Mildew grows in a flat pattern, while mold is hyphae-shaped, which means it’s constructed from several minute filaments.

• Mold is usually found on organic materials such as wood and paper, and both fungi can grow on materials like carpeting, clothing and shower curtains that are in damp areas. Mildew also feeds on host plants such as corn and rice.

Mildew vs. Mold Treatment

Mold and mildew both cause upper-respiratory problems, but mold includes a substance called mycotoxins that can result in more serious allergic reactions. Also, if left untreated mold can lead to structural damage as it feeds on various building materials.

Mildew can often be treated with an over-the-counter cleaning agent or a solution of bleach and water. Due to mold’s more destructive nature, professional mold treatment is highly recommended.

Safe and Effective Mold Treatment in NYC and Northern NJ

Stern Mold provides an eco-friendly mold treatment that can usually be completed within one day. Visit our website to learn more about why our proprietary MoldExterm process is the superior solution to your mold problem.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification, News

What Does Toxic Mold Look Like?

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Don't let your home become a petri dish.

Don’t let your home become a petri dish.

There are many different types of mold and most of them are not a problem. But toxic black mold is, and here is what it looks like and where you’ll find it.

Black Mold

Black mold can be in streaks, clumps or patches. It may first appear to look like black dirt, black ink or black paint, which smears easily if wiped with a rag. When dried, it looks like flaky black dandruff and it will either be in large pieces or tiny spots.

Where to Find It

Toxic black mold needs moisture to survive. Which means you are most often going to find it in bathrooms, laundry rooms, around pools and spas, and even basements or crawl spaces that have high humidity.

Leaky pipes that drip or spray, are also prime areas for black mold, especially where it has been undetected and going on for a long time, like in closets, cabinets or under counters.

Another prime area is from dripping room air conditioners. These drips can get behind walls and paneling, and cause a major toxic black mold infestation that you may not even realize you have until it’s too late.

Mold Treatment

Mold treatment is a top priority for any toxic black mold infestation. If you have noticed toxic black mold, don’t take any chances. Just rely on the professionals at Stern Mold to rid your house or home of toxic black mold. We’re part of the Stern Environmental Group, and will answer all of your questions or schedule a free mold inspection for your residence. We have been serving the New Jersey, New York City, and Long Island area since 1995.

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

Mold 101: What Does Mold Smell Like?

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Does your home have an unpleasant odor, but you can’t seem to pinpoint the source? It could be that your sense of smell is sending notice that your house needs mold treatment.

Is Mold Causing That Strange Odor?

You may think you’re alert to the presence of mold, but it doesn’t always cooperate by growing in a visible area. The smell is a tip-off that mold may be forming in an out-of-the-way place.

Mold emits gases called microbial volatile organic compounds, or MVOC. While many are odorless, some have the distinctive musty odor that’s identified with mold.

The Dangers of Mold

While the smell is highly unpleasant, it’s really the least of the problems presented by interior mold growth. In addition to the gases produced by mold, you are inhaling other potentially toxic emissions as well as mold spores.

These invisible, airborne particles can cause chronic upper respiratory problems such as sinus infections, sore throats and watery, itchy eyes. Some people experience depression, digestive difficulties, fatigue and other more serious health issues.

Treat the Cause, Not the Symptom

It will take more than air fresheners and scented candles to remove the smell. All they do is mask the odor. The underlying problem needs to be addressed with effective mold treatment.

Don’t wait until you see mold on your walls, fixtures or furniture. If you suspect an infestation, contact the professionals at Stern Mold for a free inspection. We have been serving the New Jersey, New York City and Long Island areas for more than 20 years.

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

Roof Leaks at Local High School Raise Mold Concerns

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Rockland County, New York’s Ramapo High School is not having a winning year. Staff, students, and parents are all concerned about mold and fungus resulting from a leaky roof.

Keeping matters contained
Garbage cans are currently being used to contain the leaks, affecting two classrooms that have been closed off for the time being. Students and substitute teachers have complained of a bad smell emanating from the area. A district representative noted the two rooms affected have been isolated, but students and staff report a hall with the same issues still remains open and used.

“Deplorable” conditions…
State Senator David Carlucci toured the school Monday, February 1st after receiving multiple emails and calls from concerned parents. He noted dampness and odor, referring to the conditions at the school as “deplorable.” Carlucci posted photos of the damage on Twitter and took the matter to Albany this week in an effort to secure emergency funding for repairs.

Why the wait?
Dennis Walcott, appointed monitor for the school district due to internal fighting, stated residents voted down a bond proposal last year that could have covered the repairs, estimated at $1 million. The defeat of the proposal left the school sans-funds, and the recent blizzard added insult to injury with the weight of snow destroying previous patchwork and exacerbating leaks.

Ongoing problems
Air samples were taken the same day the senator visited. Results are still pending. The affected wing remains open for classes despite the issue. The school has previous citations from the state’s Department of Labor for mold and vermin.

Don’t live with the threat of mold and fungus. Schedule your free mold inspection with Stern Mold today.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification, News
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