Category Archives: Mold Identification

Guess What? Black Mold is Not Always Black!

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Information on Black Mold

Information on Black Mold

It might be hard to believe, but it’s true. Black mold isn’t always black. That means it could be lurking in your home right now, completely unidentified, making you and your family sick. It’s important to get the facts about it, and your Manhattan mold removal experts are here to help.

What Kind of Mold is in Your Home?

People often see black-colored mold and assume that it’s toxic when it might not be. There are more than 100,000 mold species, and they come in just about every shape, size and color you can think of. It can be nearly impossible for a layperson to identify whether a certain species is dangerous or not. Doing so requires the help of a professional.

Should You Have Your Home Tested for Black Mold? 

It may surprise you to learn that the CDC recommends not testing for black mold simply because the results may not be accurate. Not only that, but testing isn’t really necessary because the mold will need to be removed regardless of the results. If anything, testing will only slow down the removal process while you wait for results.

When Should You Call For Manhattan Mold Removal?

The best time to call a professional for Manhattan mold removal is when you first spot mold in your home. It might be a minor problem, or it might be a major one. Either way, it doesn’t take long to spread, so taking care of it quickly is important.

At Stern Mold, we offer free inspections. Contact us!

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Tips, News

Smell Your Way to Home Mold Identification

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Smelling for Mold

Smelling for Mold

You’ve read stories about problems with interior mold, but how do you know when it’s a problem in your own home? Our NYC mold removal experts share the top signs that should alert you to the presence of indoor mold.

Visible Mold Patches

Visible growth is the most common and easily detectable sign of mold. But if you do spot surface mold anywhere in your home, don’t assume that’s the extent of it. Chances are more mold exists in hidden areas.

Damp, Musty Odor

There’s no mistaking the damp, pungent smell of indoor mold. That odor doesn’t occur in “healthy” homes, so don’t assume you can cover it up with air freshener and call it good.

Water Leaks and Flooding

Water is the key to mold growth, so leaky pipes and roofs create ideal conditions for spores to grow and multiply. If your home has experienced flooding due to broken pipes, bad weather or other mishaps, assume that mold will develop and contact our NYC mold removal team for treatment.

Allergic Reactions

Prolonged exposure to mold can trigger allergic reactions, even in people with no previous history of allergies. If you or members of your family experience symptoms such as coughing, sneezing and watery eyes, it could be due to indoor mold, especially if symptoms subside when you’re away from home.

Effective and Eco-Friendly NYC Mold Removal

Our MoldExterm program removes mold safely and leaves a protective barrier to prevent its return. Contact Stern Mold to schedule a free inspection.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, News

Is There Such a Thing as Non-Toxic Mold?

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Mold May Affect Your Lungs

Mold May Affect Your Lungs

The term “toxic” is often used in conjunction with mold in reports of Manhattan mold removal. Is it redundant, or is there such a thing as non-toxic mold?

Types of Toxic Mold

Toxic mold, sometimes called black mold, refers to particular species that emit dangerous substances called mycotoxins. When you hear or read about toxic mold, it generally involves these types:

• Stachybotrys chartarum has a greenish-black, soot-like appearance, although dampness can add a slimy sheen to the surface. High moisture and cellulose content plus low nitrogen content provide the perfect breeding ground for Stachybotrys chartarum, which is why this species is so often found in water-damaged buildings.

• In contrast to Stachybotrys chartarum, Aspergillus niger is dark black to gray in color and dry in appearance. The two species do share the common feature of producing mycotoxins that create serious health risks.

While a number of other mold species may be black in color, not all of them are toxic. Cladosporium is the most common type of non-toxic mold. Other non-toxic species include Dresclera, Alternaria and Ulocladium.

Can Non-Toxic Mold Affect Health?

Side effects of non-toxic mold are not as serious as those caused by the toxic variety, but any type of mold can trigger allergic symptoms. Seek professional Manhattan mold removal any time you suspect an infestation in your home or building.

Efficient and Cost-Effective Manhattan Mold Removal

Our trained technicians are skilled at finding and eliminating mold in homes and buildings. Contact Stern Mold to schedule a free inspection.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, News

How to Identify Problem Mold

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Moisture Breeds Mold. Ensure You Are Keeping Your Humidity Under Control!

Moisture Breeds Mold. Ensure You Are Keeping Your Humidity Under Control!

Mold and mold spores surround us every day. How do you know when a problem requires NYC mold removal? Here’s a look at the signs of an indoor mold situation that needs attention.

Signs of a Mold Infestation

• Visible mold growth is the easiest to identify. Unfortunately, mold thrives in out-of-the-way places, so a mold colony in plain sight often means more is hidden elsewhere.

• Mold has a distinctive musty smell generated by escaping gases known as microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs). While the smell is often associated with basements, it clearly indicates the presence of mold, which should never be considered a normal condition.

• Prolonged exposure to mold frequently triggers allergic reactions in the upper respiratory system. If you have no history of allergies but you begin to experience symptoms such as sneezing, coughing and watery eyes, mold is usually the culprit. Symptoms of mold-related allergies also tend to subside when you’re away from the source.

What About Black Mold?

Much of the concern about mold is centered on stachybotrys, the so-called “black mold.” Stachybotrys emits mycotoxins that can pose serious health risks, especially for children, elderly people and those with compromised immune systems. Many other species of mold are black in appearance, so any infestation should be inspected and evaluated by NYC mold removal experts.

Expert Help for All NYC Mold Removal Needs

Do you suspect the presence of mold in your home or building? Contact us for a free inspection by our friendly and experienced technicians.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, Mold Law, News

What You Must Know About Mold Spores

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Got Toxic Mold? Do You Have Enough for a Lawsuit?

Got Toxic Mold? What You Need to Know.

Everyone recognizes mold as a fungus found on dead plants and trees, but how much do you know about the effects of mold that finds its way indoors? Here’s a look at the role of mold spores and the importance of NYC mold removal.

How Mold Spores Function

Mold spores are the vehicles by which mold reproduces. While they’re similar in concept to a plant seed, they don’t contain pre-formed embryos. The dusty appearance of mold colonies is due to proliferation of spores on the surface.

Since mold spores are present indoors and outdoors, we inhale them every day. Concentrations are lower outdoors, so spores generally don’t pose a problem. Health risks arise from prolonged exposure to spores indoors, where space is constricted and air has less opportunity to circulate.

Control Mold Growth to Reduce Mold Spores

While it’s impossible to completely eliminate mold spores, controlling mold growth will keep them at a manageable level. Moisture is essential for mold to grow, so it’s imperative to keep indoor humidity low and immediately repair broken pipes or any conditions causing excessive moisture.

Approximately 20 percent of people are allergic to mold and suffer from symptoms such as sneezing, scratchy throat and watery eyes, known collectively as hay fever. Outdoor mold triggers allergies mainly during summer, whereas allergic reactions to indoor mold occur year-round.

Need NYC Mold Removal? Contact Stern Mold

Our MoldExterm program removes mold safely and effectively while creating a barrier to future growth. Contact us today for more information.

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