Category Archives: Mold Identification

Mold May Force Pensacola Federal Court to Relocate

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Mold can cause serious health issues for some people, including respiratory and sinus problems. That’s why it’s so important to eliminate mold growth in homes and commercial buildings. When mold is removed, those who live or work in the affected building usually have to go elsewhere during mold treatment. In Pensacola, Florida, though, workers at the downtown federal courthouse might actually have to stay in the building while it’s being treated.

General Services Administration, which manages the courthouse, has stated that the building will still be in use while black mold is being removed. This decision affects more than 100 employees.

Some mold experts have expressed concern about this, since it could put these workers at risk of experiencing health issues while mold remediation is going on around them. Judges who work at the courthouse are trying to determine whether or not to hold trials in another location temporarily in order to reduce the public’s exposure to mold. If not, they will need to find other ways to lower this risk while trials are going on inside the courthouse. For now, several parts of the building are closed off to try to stop the mold from spreading to other areas.

This case illustrates the problems involved with some kinds of mold treatment methods. Remediation, for example, is a time-consuming process that inconveniences the building’s occupants and raises the risk of exposure as materials that contain mold are pulled out. These methods also do little to stop mold from coming back and requiring another round of treatment.

If your building has a mold problem, don’t hesitate to contact Stern Mold. We offer safe, effective mold treatment that does not disrupt drywall and can be completed typically in one to two days.

Posted in Mold Identification, News

NJ Mold Tips: How to Tell Employees About Your Mold Problem

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A single syllable, the word “mold” is feared by employers and building owners across the U.S. Unfortunately, you’ve discovered some on your premises. But with lawsuits concerning “sick building syndrome” commonplace, what’s the safest and best way to discuss this issue with employees?

What is the best way to prepare your employees for NYC mold treatment?

  • Take responsibility.
    Admitting to the presence of mold can be tough, but it’s your duty to ensure a fit workplace, including proper indoor air quality. This means you have a legal responsibility to remove all signs of mold contamination with NYC mold treatment. See the EPA’s extensive remediation pamphlet for commercial structures, “Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings” for guidance. OSHA also has information to assist you, including free and confidential on-site consultation services, which are penalty and citation-free, to help you correct hazards.
  • Quell fears.
    Mold issues are likely to cause concern and anxiety amongst workers. Arm them with knowledge and be openly available to discuss the situation to prevent speculation and panic. Mold is present in all buildings in some form or quantity. Only certain species of mold produce “mycotoxins” in concentrations large enough to effect health.
  • Post or provide information.
    Including professional assessment and written treatment details. Explain to employees the steps you’re taking to ensure their protection, including cleaning or if relocation will be necessary.
  • Address the problem.
    Let your immediate action do the talking. It’s your job to protect the health of your employees, and your prompt attention shows you’re taking it seriously.

Want to know more about NJ & NYC mold treatment options for your business? Contact Stern today.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Tips, News

Buying a Foreclosed Home May Bring Mold Home

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Purchasing a foreclosed house may seem like a way to get a beautiful home at a bargain price. If it turns out that your dream house has undetected mold, it could become a costly nightmare.

Economic instability has increased the number of foreclosed homes in the United States. An unforeseen side effect is that real estate and mold have become undesirable partners. These foreclosures sit closed up for extended periods of time, preventing the natural ventilation that draws moisture up and out.

Mold doesn’t discriminate between modest houses and mansions, affecting all styles and sizes equally. It’s estimated that some states are dealing with mold and mildew issues in more than half of foreclosed homes. Companies like Farsight Management in northeast Ohio that specialize in cleaning water damage get a significant part of their work treating these moldy foreclosures.

With power shut off to these houses, there are no sump pumps or dehumidifiers running to clear out the excess moisture. This may seem like a cost-cutting move that has backfired, but realtors don’t believe that’s the case. Larger numbers of foreclosed homes simply make an already lengthy process even more time-consuming.

Realtor Rebecca Terakedis has continued to show foreclosed homes to potential buyers regardless of mold infestation, but she is aware of possible liability issues. Before entering a home, viewers are required to sign a release form indicating complete disclosure of the mold problem.

Real estate and mold don’t have to maintain this uneasy alliance. Our experienced technicians can remove mold safely and efficiently, usually in only one day. Visit our website to learn more about our innovative MoldExterm treatment.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification, News

Property Managers Need to Keep an Eye Out For Mold

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When property conditions present a health risk to tenants, a landlord has plenty to worry about besides repair costs. There are many problematic rental conditions for real estate and mold is at the top of that list.

In Jacksonville, Fla., an apartment complex is under legal scrutiny for renting apartments that are known to contain black mold. Property management has pledged to fix the problem, but tenants are filing a lawsuit.

Lawyers believe that damages may be owed to tenants who have suffered health problems related to mold. The property’s failure to procure mold treatment services in a timely manner and the leasing of apartments that already contained the mold may be more than sufficient grounds for a successful lawsuit.

According to the CDC, toxigenic mold has been linked to respiratory illnesses and allergic reactions similar to hay fever. These problems most commonly effect the young and elderly, those with existing conditions or weak immune systems, and occasionally people who are otherwise healthy.

In other words, all commercial and residential property managers likely have tenants at risk for health problems due to mold.

In the Florida lawsuit, the apartment complex and HUD, which subsidizes the apartments, may be liable for healthcare costs and personal injury damages. Had the property managers sought mold remediation and treatment sooner, the situation would likely have been avoided altogether.

The good news regarding real estate and mold concerns is that new, scientifically advanced methods of mold treatment and prevention are available.

The MoldExterm system avoids invasive remodeling and treats mold effectively before finishing with a durable sealant. Contact Stern Mold immediately if your property shows signs of black mold.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification, News

Watch Out – Foreclosed Homes Can Be a Haven for Mold

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Purchasing a foreclosed home can often turn up a diamond in the rough. However, sometimes it ends up being just plain rough. Current estimates are that more than half of the foreclosed homes in some states have mold issues.

Real estate and mold is an unpleasant mix, as many sellers and buyers are discovering. Realtor Rebecca Terakedis requires prospective buyers to sign a disclosure form releasing her from liability before she will show a home infested with mold.

In most homes, a natural process known as the stack effect acts to reduce the conditions that promote development of mold. As seasons change and household members go in and out, ventilation sucks moisture upwards and out through the roof, aided by heating and air conditioning systems.

Foreclosed homes sit empty, resulting in moisture accumulating inside. In addition, electricity is shut off so sump pumps and dehumidifiers don’t have a chance to do their part. Bob Bennett operates a company in northeastern Ohio that specializing in cleaning water-damaged buildings. He says a quarter of his jobs involve foreclosed homes that have fallen victim to mold.

Ms. Terakedis relates a story about showing a foreclosed home in the middle of the winter. Outdoor temperatures were so cold that icicles had formed on the garage windows, but the interior of the house was a muggy 80 degrees because it had begun to self-compost.

Don’t assume that real estate and mold is a problem only with foreclosures. All it takes is one spore landing on a damp spot to begin mold growth. Contact us today to schedule a free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification, News
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