Category Archives: Mold Information

How to Limit Mold Growth in December and January

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How to Limit the Growth of Mold

How to Limit the Growth of Mold

You may be able to keep the cold out of your home during December and January, but preventing mold growth is a little trickier. Limit the need for Manhattan mold removal during winter months with these helpful tips.

Control Indoor Humidity

Moisture is literally the lifeblood of mold. Once a mold spore lands on a damp surface, it’s ready to start multiplying. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says controlling indoor humidity is the most important factor in limiting mold growth. Aim for a level below 45 percent. Dehumidifiers are helpful, although it’s best to find and correct the underlying problem.

Run Ceiling Fans in Reverse

When ceiling fans are set to run clockwise, they pull cold air up and push warm air down. In addition to cutting back on heating bills, the improved circulation prevents condensation from developing on walls and windows, which discourages mold growth.

Install and Use Exhaust Fans

Kitchens and bathrooms are the usual suspects as far as likely locations for mold. Exhaust fans should be used in both places, along with any other areas where excess moisture can accumulate.

Maintain Roof Gutters

Roof gutters clogged with leaves and other debris don’t allow water to drain properly. Be sure the ground around the downspouts is slightly graded so water doesn’t pool around the foundation.

Manhattan Mold Removal for All Seasons

Mold is an unwelcome presence any time of year. Contact Stern Mold and receive friendly and professional service for all your Manhattan mold removal needs.

Posted in Mold Information, Mold Remediation, News, NJ Mold Removal, NYC Mold Removal

Sorry, Freezing Weather Does Not Kill Mold Spores

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Sorry, Freezing Weather Does Not Kill Mold Spores

Sorry, Freezing Weather Does Not Kill Mold Spores

People often wrongly assume that when the weather is colder, their mold problems will go away. Unfortunately, that’s not correct. While freezing temperatures may help you salvage some of the items you thought you lost to mold, they are not an overall solution to the problem. Let’s review this in more detail.

Can Freezing Moldy Items Save Them?

Once something you own is damaged by mold, it can be difficult to stop the mold colony from growing. But freezing is one option you have available to you. If this is something you decide to do because mold has developed on items you love, please take the following steps:

• Make sure to wear protective gloves and clothing. Mold can cause serious health and breathing problems, so you want to make sure you don’t touch it.

• Place the items on top of trash bags in a space with a lot of open air. This will allow them to dry out, which is very important.

• Freeze the items at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Please note that this will not kill the mold, but it will deactivate it.

• Remove the items after 24 hours. Use a fungicide and rags to remove the mold from the items. Also, run an air dehumidifier to reduce the chance of mold re-growth.

Talk With Your NYC Mold Removal Professionals

Moldy possessions are often a sign of a more serious problem. Your NYC mold removal professionals can help. We offer free inspections to help us determine what you need. Contact us!

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, Mold Tips, News, NJ Mold Removal, NYC Mold Removal

Interior Mold is a Winter Problem

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Interior Mold is a Winter Problem

Interior Mold is a Winter Problem

A lot of people falsely believe that mold isn’t a problem they need to worry about during the winter. They think that because the atmosphere is naturally colder, conditions aren’t as good for it to grow. Unfortunately, your Manhattan mold removal experts have seen more than their fair share of mold problems during this time of year. When it comes to mold in your home, staying vigilant during the winter months is very important.

Where is Mold More Likely to Occur During Winter?

A lot of people complain about mold in their homes during the winter months. The air is dryer, but that doesn’t mean your home isn’t at risk. You’re most likely to see mold growing in your attic and your basement during this time of year. It can also grow inside your home’s walls.

Any humidity in your home is likely to rise to the attic, which is where mold is most likely to form. It can affect the wooden rafters as well as your attic’s insulation.

Your Manhattan Mold Removal Experts Stop Mold in its Tracks

There are several things you can do prior to calling a professional to deal with your mold problem. You can:

• Attempt to clean the mold using either bleach or vinegar.

• Fix any leaks in your kitchen or basement, and keep these areas dry.

• Check and fix any ventilation problems in your attic.

If you need Manhattan mold removal services, please contact us for a free inspection!

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, Mold Tips, News

Medical Effects of Black Mold Exposure

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Mold May Affect Your Lungs

Mold May Affect Your Lungs

Your Manhattan mold removal experts know all about the risks and medical effects of black mold. It is extremely dangerous, and is much more prevalent than people think. If you have a problem with black mold in your home, it’s important to know the effects it can have on your body.

Why is Black Mold Dangerous?

People have long believed that black mold can lead to cancer or other lung diseases. But the most recent research has determined that’s not true at all. Black mold is actually a term that people use to describe various types of mold that appear black in color. But black mold is the worst of the several dark varieties.

Black mold can be toxic to those who are highly sensitive to mold spores. Mycotoxicosis – or mold poisoning – is also a concern. Other health problems people can experience include:

• Major mood swings

• Painful headaches

*Loss of memory

• Nosebleeds

• Aches and pains in the body

Black Mold, Allergies and Breathing Problems

People often have allergic reactions to black mold, which can lead to serious breathing problems and a range of other symptoms, such as:

• Wheezing

• Skin rashes

• Sinusitis

• A runny or stuffed nose

• Sore throat

• Watery or red eyes

Contact Us for Manhattan Mold Removal

Black mold is a cause for concern, and you’re right to want to get rid of it immediately. Your Manhattan mold removal specialists at Stern Mold are here to help you, and our methods are proven to be effective. Contact us today.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information, News

More Health Impacts of Living with Mold

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Respiratory System Irritation from Continued Toxic Mold Exposure

Respiratory System Irritation from Continued Toxic Mold Exposure

Mold is an inescapable part of our surroundings, indoors and outdoors. It may look harmless, but extended exposure to mold in the confined space of a home or building can pose real health risks. Our Manhattan mold removal experts share information about the various effects of mold on your health.

Mold-Related Allergies and Illnesses

When mold spores are inhaled, they can irritate linings in the nasal passages. The result is allergic reactions such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and other upper respiratory symptoms. Severity of the reactions depends on the sensitivity of the affected individual, although people who have been allergy-free can develop symptoms after prolonged exposure to mold.

People with compromised immune systems or pre-existing respiratory ailments are particularly vulnerable to mold-related illnesses. These individuals may experience asthma attacks or opportunistic infections like aspergillosis, which causes fungus balls to develop in the lungs.

Mycotoxins and mVOCs

Some types of mold produce metabolites known as mycotoxins which can be ingested via inhalation or contact with the skin. While studies are ongoing, mycotoxins from mold have been linked to adverse symptoms.

Microbial volatile organic compounds, or mVOCs, are a byproduct of mold metabolism released directly into the air. mVOCs are suspected to cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue and nausea.

Protect Your Health with Manhattan Mold Removal by Stern Mold

Don’t wait until mold affects the health of you and your family or employees. Contact us today to schedule a free mold inspection by our friendly and experienced Manhattan mold removal team.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information, News
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