Category Archives: Mold Identification

Can You Smell Mold?

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Can You Smell Mold?

Can You Smell Mold?

Mold is a generic term encompassing more than 100,000 known species with a wide range of colors and textures, which also emit a number of distinctive odors. Our Manhattan mold removal experts explain the cause of mold smells and how to identify them.

What Makes Mold Smell?

As mold grows, it releases chemicals known as microbial volatile organic compounds or mVOCs. When mVOCs reach the air, they emit a pungent and unpleasant odor that often has a strong musty element such as you might find in a damp basement or waterfront cottage.

Just as mold species differ in color, specific mVOCs can have a variety of odors. Some are described as earthy, like the smell that follows rainfall. Others have the medicinal smell of camphor, or a scent similar to fermentation of alcohol. Herbaceous, nutty and fatty are also terms that have been used in connection with mold smells.

Identifying the Odor of Mold

If you have one of these odors lingering in your home despite your best efforts, chances are good it’s from a hidden mold infestation. You could even become “nose-blind” to persistent smells. Step outside for a few minutes and take some deep breaths of fresh air, then go back inside and compare.

Stern Mold: The Manhattan Mold Removal Experts

Our professionally trained technicians have extensive experience locating and treating mold infestations, even those not readily visible. Contact us to schedule a time for a free mold inspection and consultation.

Posted in Mold Identification, News

Learn About the Mold Life Cycle

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Mold Has Life Cycles, Learn About Which Part Puts You Most at Risk

Mold Has Life Cycles, Learn About Which Part Puts You Most at Risk

It often seems as though mold infestations spring up overnight, but as with all organisms mold follows a specific life cycle from genesis through “death.” Here’s a look at the life cycle of mold and how it impacts Manhattan mold removal.

Mold Life Cycle from Beginning to End

• Mold originates from a thread-like cell known as a hypha. Once the hypha finds a suitable surface with the requisite moisture, it puts down roots to absorb nutrients from the underlying organic materials. As a result, the hypha multiplies into a mass called a mycelium, which is when mold becomes visible.

• Eventually some of the hyphae develop spores, which are the reproductive elements of mold.

• Spores are released into the atmosphere, where they drift until they find another spot conducive to mold development.

• After the spores settle, the cycle comes full circle and continues to repeat itself.

Interrupting the Mold Life Cycle

Simply wiping down a mold-infested surface is as useless as cutting back the visible part of weeds. As long as the hyphae are anchored to the host surface, they’ll continue to draw the nutrients required for growth.

Effective Manhattan mold removal is a two-step process:

• Apply a mold-repelling substance to affected surfaces.

• Remove excess moisture from the surrounding atmosphere.

MoldExterm: Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective Manhattan Mold Removal

Our proprietary MoldExterm treatment is the only method incorporating both factors needed for successful mold removal. For more information, contact Stern Mold and schedule a free mold inspection by our experienced technicians.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, News

Mold! What Every Property Manager Should Know

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Learn About Mold to Protect Your Employees

Learn About Mold to Protect Your Tenants

Both indoors and outdoors, mold has always been around us. As environmental awareness has grown, so too have concerns about the health effects of mold infestations.

If you’re a property manager, interior mold growth can lead to problems ranging from bad publicity to lawsuits. Our Manhattan mold removal experts share important facts you need to know.

Risk Factors for Mold

Moisture and organic matter are the only elements needed for mold to develop. Once it germinates, mold can spread as quickly as one to two days, especially in dark, confined areas.

Organic materials, including wood, carpet and sheetrock, make building interiors particularly opportune places for mold infestations. Mold is also a sign of a moisture problem, whether it’s a water leak or high humidity levels.

How Much Mold Is Too Much?

While there are no federal or state regulations defining acceptable mold levels, the National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine recommends immediate removal of mold inside buildings. Failure to do so may trigger penalties under OSHA’s General Duty Clause, which covers workplace hazards without specific standards.

Mold Remediation

According to the EPA, the best way to control mold is by controlling moisture. In addition to removing or repairing the source of the moisture, adequate ventilation should be installed in kitchens, bathrooms and other areas prone to mold development.

Trust Stern Mold for Manhattan Mold Removal

Pamela Stern is fully licensed and certified to create a customized mold treatment program for your specific needs. Contact us for more information.

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

What Employers Should Know About Toxic Mold to Protect Employees

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Keep Employees Safe from Mold Exposure

Keep Employees Safe from Mold Exposure

As an employer, it’s your job to protect your employees and keep them safe. Mold can be a silent threat in your building; going undetected for months at a time. In some cases, unexplained employee illnesses are the first indicator that a business has a mold problem.

Here’s some information you should know to keep your employees safe. As your NYC mold removal specialists, we’re here to help you do just that.

Know and Look for These Signs of Mold

Are you aware of what the signs of a mold problem are? To spot them, it requires closely observing your workers for:

• People complaining of a moldy smell.

• Breathing complaints.

• Itchy, watery eyes.

• Irritations on the skin.

• Feeling dizzy and/or nauseous.

It’s common for employers to assume other causes for their sick workers. But the reality is that their complaints and ailments could be caused by a mold problem in the work environment.

Find the Cause of the Mold Problem

While all buildings have mold to some degree, its milder strains are not a problem for most people. But when dangerous mold begins to develop, then it’s important to find the root cause.

Mold must have moisture to survive and grow, so look for any type of water leakage or poor ventilation. You’ll probably find mold nearby.

Contacting NYC Mold Removal for Assistance

If you’re not sure, it’s best to have a professional inspect your building. At Stern Mold, we offer free inspections, so you have nothing to lose. Contact us!

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information

Mold in Commercial Buildings – What to Know to Be Safe

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Prevent Mold in Commercial Buildings

Prevent Mold in Commercial Buildings

Mold species are virtually everywhere, and the majority of them are not toxic to humans. But there are some that can cause serious health issues. In the home, it’s much easier to keep mold in check, but that’s not the same for the workplace. Many employers find it once it has seriously progressed, and when it reaches that point, NYC mold removal is needed.

But in the meantime, there’s a lot you can do to keep yourself safe if your office is a place where mold is a serious problem.

Avoid Spaces with Humid Air

Humidity is the perfect breeding environment for mold. During the spring and summer, there may be some rooms at your workplace where mold thrives. Try to avoid these spaces if at all possible. Also, if you find a leak, report it right away. They can lead to mold problems as well.

Keep the Refrigerator Clean

Mold can, and often does grow on leftover or older foods that may be forgotten in your office’s refrigerator. If you want to cut down on mold exposure, make it your job to clean it out at least once every month.

Use Protective Equipment

Safety glasses and face masks can be very helpful if you have to be in a place where mold is a problem. You can develop health issues from mold even if you’ve never had them in the past. It’s important to protect yourself.

Are you looking for NYC mold removal services? Contact us today!

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification, Mold Law
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