Category Archives: Mold Remediation

St. Louis Landlord Sued for Black Mold infestation

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St. Louis Landlord Sued for Black Mold infestation

St. Louis Landlord Sued for Black Mold infestation

As more has become known about the dangers of mold, property owners are being held accountable for infestations in their buildings. A St. Louis landlord is currently being sued based on discovery of black mold in a rental home.

Did the Landlord Exercise Reasonable Care?

In March 2015, Patrick and Chastity Phillips leased a home in Alton, MO for themselves and their four children. The lawsuit claims that, unbeknownst to them, the house was infested with black mold which was discovered when they moved out.

Defendants include Rashad Robinson; CR Property Investments, LLC; CR Investments; Robinson Realty; and Especial Services and Renovations. The lawsuit alleges failure to maintain a reasonably safe property and prevent mold growth.

Health Dangers of Indoor Mold

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), exposure to mold indoors is not always a risk. However, people can experience allergic reactions to mold ranging from mild to severe, depending on their level of sensitivity.

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has determined that evidence shows a link between mold exposure and upper-respiratory allergic reactions in otherwise healthy individuals, as well as a link to respiratory illnesses in children.

The Phillips family claims that exposure to mold caused them to incur serious health problems such as permanent pain and injury along with mental anguish and disability. Their suit asks that the defendants pay the costs of past and future medical treatment.

Professional NJ Mold Removal by Stern Mold

Our two-step MoldExterm program is safe, non-intrusive, and usually completed within one day. If you need NJ mold removal, contact us today to schedule a free mold inspection by our experienced technicians.

Posted in Mold Law, Mold Remediation, Mold Treatment, MoldExterm, News

Mycotoxin Information for Manhattan Building Managers – Part Two

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We are NYC's mold treatment experts!

We are NYC’s mold treatment experts!

Do you regularly have your building inspected for mold? If you discover a need for Manhattan or NJ mold treatment, you should be informed regarding the dangers of mycotoxins in order to protect residents, employees and customers.

Mycotoxins in the News

During the 1990s, as more was learned about the health risks of mycotoxins, a number of high-profile toxic mold settlements raised public awareness. Even expensive celebrity homes were not immune from mold damage and mycotoxins.

The Center of Integrative Toxicology at Michigan State University conducted a study regarding damp building-related illness (DBRI), where it was discovered that Stachybotrys is possibly a contributing factor. Animal testing has demonstrated that sensitivity to S. chartarum can produce inflammation and allergic symptoms of the upper and lower respiratory tracts.

How Does Mycotoxin Exposure Affect Humans?

There are some “good” mycotoxins that affect other fungi or bacteria, with penicillin being the most well-known example. With humans, the most common reactions to mycotoxin are respiratory allergies and inflammation and weakened immune systems. Scientists are also finding a possible connection between mycotoxin exposure and neurological damage.

Mycotoxicosis is the general term for poisoning from exposure to mycotoxins. Oral ingestion, skin contact and inhalation are the avenues through which mycotoxins enter the body, where they circulate via the bloodstream and lymphatic system.

Stern Mold: Effective Manhattan and NJ Mold Treatment

Mold exposure is nothing you should leave to chance. Our professionally trained technicians usually complete our non-toxic MoldExterm treatment in one day, with no removal of building materials and minimum interruption to your routine.

Call 888.887.8376 to schedule a free mold inspection of your home or building.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification, Mold Information, Mold Remediation, Mold Treatment, NYC Mold Removal

Mycotoxin Information for Manhattan Building Managers – Part One

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Mold in an Office Building is No Problem for Us

Mold in an Office Building is No Problem for Us

How “healthy” is your Manhattan building? If you need Manhattan mold treatment service, you should be aware of mycotoxins and the health effects they can have on residents, employees and customers.

What Are Mycotoxins?

Mycotoxins are chemicals produced by mold and other fungi. They’re considered a secondary substance because they’re not necessary for the organism’s existence.

Just as mold comes in a wide range of different species, there are a number of different types of mycotoxins. A particular mycotoxin may be produced by many species of mold, or a specific type of mold may generate numerous mycotoxins.

Where Are Mycotoxins Found?

Moldy crops are a common source of mycotoxins. Aflatoxins, one of the more common varieties, is usually found in commodities such as peanuts, spices, pistachios and maize. Food-borne mycotoxins present a danger to both humans and livestock.

Buildings are the other major source of mycotoxins. Stachybotrys chartarum has the highest mycotoxin content of indoor molds, while Apergillus also produces many of the more frequently found mycotoxins.

Low levels of mycotoxins are not generally risky. Problems arise when a mold infestation develops on an interior surface, creating prolonged exposure to mycotoxins. This happens when microscopic mold spores, which are always present in the air, land on a damp spot which provides the optimum conditions for growth.

Restore Your Building’s Health with Manhattan Mold Treatment by Stern Mold

Cleaning your building isn’t enough to remove the risk of mycotoxins and mold-related illnesses. The mold must be removed completely and steps must be taken to prevent future occurrences.

Visit our website for information about our proprietary two-step MoldExterm process and schedule a free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification, Mold Information, Mold Remediation, NYC Mold Removal

NJ Gets Serious about Mold Calling It a BioAerosol

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Mold is Now Called a BioAerosol

Mold is Now Called a BioAerosol

If the name bioaerosol sounds a bit scary, there’s a reason for that. Although bioaerosols are naturally occurring all around us, too many of them can cause disease or illness. Mold has been identified as a source of potentially hazardous bioaerosol particles, making it all the more important to call for NJ mold treatment after discovering mold.

Bioaerosols include tiny airborne microorganisms and their waste. In addition to mold, others include algae, bacteria, the flu virus, dust mites, and cat dander. Mold fungus creates tiny particles that invade the air around us, especially when mold grows indoors.

Health Effects of Bioaerosols

Our bodies can typically defend against small amounts of bioaerosols. Health problems start with pathogenic species or simply too many particles. Breathing in mold affects people who already have asthma or another respiratory condition, but anyone might become sick or develop allergic responses to mold.

The NJ Department of Health warns that mold bioaerosols can cause hypersensitivity diseases, which include asthma, rhinitis, pneumonitis, and humidifier fever. When such illnesses exist with the known presence of mold, it can be assumed that the mold is at least partially to blame.

Protection Against Mold Exposure

If you have found mold, the area must be thoroughly cleaned and treated. Our NJ mold treatment service comes with a free inspection to confirm the presence of mold. A deep cleaning of the home, including the HVAC system, may be necessary. However, the source needs to be cleaned so it does not continue releasing bioaerosols into the home.

Contact Stern Mold to schedule a visit and learn how our NJ mold treatment both eliminates mold and prevents it from returning.

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

Manhattan Mold a Problem in Student Housing and Universities

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Group of college students leaning on banister

Students in College Housing Can be Exposed to Mold in Manhattan.

College life brings a host of health dangers due to so many people sharing close quarters in the classes and dormitories. New research indicates that universities may also be harbingers of toxic mold. The typically young, healthy age group of college students does not make them immune to the harmful effects of mold.

Scientists surveyed students at one university over a period of time to collect data on dampness and mildew on campus. The report deserves a full read by anyone interested in the facts about mold toxicity in rental housing. The bottom line is that college students are at risk for mold-related respiratory issues.

Mold in College Dorms

In Manhattan and other densely populated areas, mold infestations can easily affect numerous people. Mold spores spread wherever moisture and food sources are present. Failure to dry out mildewy areas or to bring in a Manhattan mold treatment service can make matters worse.

The scientists suspect that college students may not clean up as well as homeowners, and students may not report mold problems early enough. Apartment renters have the same problem and, unfortunately, tenants or students have little motivation to correct mold problems in temporary housing.

With students moving in and out of college campuses regularly, and mold problems going unnoticed, it seems that university staff should always keep an eye on the problem and call our Manhattan mold treatment service whenever any sign of mold has been detected.

Rental property owners and college administrators alike can contact Stern Mold for a free inspection to find out if you need Manhattan mold treatment before the problem endangers residents or damages property.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information, Mold Remediation, Mold Treatment, NYC Mold Removal
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