Category Archives: Mold Identification

Family Won a Settlement for Mold, Could This Be You?

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Seeking effective mold treatment for an infestation in your home goes far beyond preserving the condition of your property. A family in Southern California received a record $22.6 million settlement in response to claims that toxic mold caused brain damage in their newborn son.

Kellen Gorman was born during the time his family lived in their custom-built home in Manhattan Beach. His functioning was well below the standard for his age group, resulting in a need for round-the-clock care.

The Gormans claimed that Crenshaw Lumber Co., the principal defendant in the suit, improperly stored framing studs used in their home, leading to the development of mold. The suit named 16 other defendants, including a sheet metal company.

Crenshaw had several expert witnesses lined up to testify, but most of them were excluded by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Victoria G. Chaney after a defense attorney allegedly missed a deadline for designating witnesses and altered the paperwork in an attempted cover-up. The final settlement was reached the day after the judge’s decision, with Crenshaw paying more than half.

According to Raymond P. Boucher, president of the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles, the total represents the largest amount ever recorded for a mold case involving a single-family home. Terms of the settlement did not include admissions of guilt from Crenshaw or any of the other defendants.

If you suspect the presence of mold in your home, don’t take any chances. Our eco-friendly mold treatment system effectively removes the infestation while preventing future recurrences. Contact Stern Mold today for your free home inspection and price quote.

 

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Treatment, News

Flooded? Tips on Staying Safe When Returning Home to Check for Mold

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Flooding is the most common natural disaster throughout the world. According to the National Weather Service, flash floods and river floods caused more than $2.5 billion in property damages across the U.S. in 2014. Thirty-eight people were killed and numerous families were displaced from their homes temporarily.

When people did return to their residences, they found insects, rodents, and nasty mud inside. Water contains contaminants that encourage mold and fungus growth. The risk of mold inside your home is increased after a flood. Here are some tips from the Red Cross for staying safe when you return home after a flood.

Basic safety procedures

Be sure officials have declared the area safe. It is best to leave children and pets with someone else when you make your initial visit. You should bring proper ID to verify your address. The utilities may be down. Bring some bottled water, non-perishable food, and hand cleaning gel.

Document damages

Inspect the exterior of your home. Look for damage to power lines. If there is significant roof damage or cracks in the walls or foundation, it may not be safe to enter the building. If you smell natural gas, contact the fire department and leave the area immediately.

Have a camera to document everything. As you enter, open doors and windows to allow the house to air out. Snakes and other animals may be inside your home. Use a stick to poke through any piles of debris.

Clean up

Food items will begin to spoil quickly. Remove unsafe food any damp upholstered furniture. Call the experts at Stern Mold for a free inspection and treatment of mold and fungus.

 

 

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

Where to Look for Hidden Mold

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As you know, interior mold and fungus can cause a wealth of health problems with symptoms such as runny nose, watery and itchy eyes, swollen eyelids, wheezing and coughing, just to name a few. Before you can combat mold, you have to know where it is coming from.

Moisture Causes Mold to Grow

Mold and fungus needs moisture to grow and spread. The first place to look for hidden mold would be in places like bathrooms, laundry rooms, adjacent walls and/or flooring and tiles. Generally, if you see signs of mold on the outside a wall, the chances are great that there will be hidden mold behind the wall.

Here are some common places to look for and inspect for hidden mold:

  • Above ceiling tiles, particularly in damp locations
  • Under sinks in bathrooms and kitchens
  • Inside your heating and air conditioning vents
  • Beneath carpeting in and around damp locations
  • In your attic, especially if you vent household humid air into that space

Hidden Mold Causes Problems

In all cases, unless there is an outward bloom of mold that can be readily seen, it will be difficult, at best, to find any signs of hidden mold. But if you have symptoms of mold infestation, and mold is not readily present, it may be time to call in a professional to help track down and eliminate any mold problem, hidden or not, that you may have., also

For the best in NYC mold treatment, rely on the professionals at 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 Identification, Mold Tips, 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

The Myths and Facts About Mold

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Most people feel the same way about mold that they do about spiders. When they see either, they are terrified. They know some species are harmful and some are not, but are not sure how to identify them. Also, if it is out of sight, it is out of mind. Here is a reminder that you should have a free inspection and mold treatment consultation of your home and business, along with some facts about a couple of myths associated with mold.

Common myths about mold

Myth – Only black mold is dangerous: Of the over 100,000 different species of mold, about 60 are known to be harmful to people’s health. The spores are especially bad for people with asthma, a compromised immune system, and the elderly. Black mold (stachybotrys chartarum) typically develops on existing mold colonies. It grows slowly and has heavier spores than most mold species. It can only be identified by trained professionals and is certainly not the only harmful mold type.

Myth – Bleach will kill mold: The bleach purchased over the counter is typically just 6 percent sodium hypochlorite and the remaining 94 percent is water. Applying it to mold temporarily removes the mold, but when the chlorine evaporates, the mold comes back and feeds on the water to spread again. Proper mold treatment requires trained professionals to eliminate the mold and replace contaminated material.

Be proactive about protecting your family, workers, and customers from the possible health risks of mold spores. The technicians of Stern Mold have experience with all types of mold and can provide a safe, cost-efficient and effective mold treatment of your home or business. Contact us today.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Treatment, News
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