Category Archives: Mold Remediation

Pamela Stern is Our Professional Industrial Hygienist

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Introducing Pamela Stern, whose Many Duties Include Evaluating Hazardous Conditions in the Workplace

“Sick” workplaces can have a negative impact on the health of employees as well as people in the surrounding community. Pamela Stern, our professional industrial hygienist on staff, has extensive experience in recognizing, evaluating and controlling stressful environmental factors such as mold and fungus.

Becoming a Professional Industrial Hygienist

In order to achieve the designation of professional industrial hygienist, an individual must meet specific academic and field criteria.

  • A candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering, chemistry or related biological or physical science from an accredited institution.
  • In addition, the individual must have completed at least three years of industrial hygiene experience.
  • A master’s degree equates to one year of experience while a doctorate can count for two years, but that is the maximum amount of work experience that may be waived.

Certified Industrial Hygienist

The American Industrial Hygiene Association recommends that all eligible members attain certification from the American Board of Industrial Hygiene. Requirements include:

  • Academic training along with four years of work experience
  • Passing a one-day exam
  • Staying active by applying for recertification every five years

As a professional industrial hygienist, Pamela’s responsibilities include evaluating hazardous conditions in the workplace, developing methods to treat and control possible risk factors, and training workers in proper heath and safety procedures.

Stern Mold: The Leader in Manhattan and NYC Mold Removal

Our first-class mold removal team includes Pamela along with our other professionally-trained and experienced technicians. Don’t take chances with the health of employees and others in the community. Contact us today to schedule a free mold inspection and learn more about our unique and effective MoldExterm program.

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

Mold Awareness and Mold Survivors Facebook Group

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Mold Survivors

Social media has made it easier than ever for groups of people with a common interest to “gather” for sharing personal stories and seeking information. The “Toxic Mold Awareness & Survivors Page” on Facebook is dedicated to educating people about the dangers of mold exposure.

Spreading the Word About Toxic Mold Awareness

Many of the page’s posts share news stories and literature about various mold-related topics. Some of the information comes from specialists such as Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker, author of Surviving Mold, and Kurt and Lee Ann Billings, authors of MOLD: The War Within.

Other posted stories have included:

• An article from Fox News about actress Suzanne Somers and her family’s struggle with toxic mold

• A reference article about AAT deficiency, a lung condition that can be aggravated by inhaling mold

In addition, TM Awareness posts valuable tips about general wellness, such as a list of superfoods that can be added to smoothies.

A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words

One of the benefits of social media is the ability to share pictures. Photos posted on the TM Awareness page depict extensive mold infestations in attics, showers and other areas of the home. There’s even a picture of a brand of lip balm that has a known problem of developing mold inside the cap.

Professionally-Trained Technicians Provide NYC Mold Treatment

Toxic mold is a serious problem that requires a serious solution. Our proprietary MoldExterm system is a non-invasive and effective answer for NYC mold treatment. Contact Stern Mold today to learn more about our two-step program that eliminates mold and prevents its return.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Remediation, Mold Treatment, News

Mold Litigation – What You Need to Know to Protect Your Business

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Don't Wait until it's Too Late, Inspect Now!

Don’t Wait until it’s Too Late, Inspect Now!

If you’re a property manager, one of the things you want to avoid at all costs is mold litigation. It’s in your best interests to ensure that you promptly take care of your tenants’ mold problems, and you should also be inspecting properties regularly to watch for any signs of mold.

Protecting your business is your primary concern, and to do that, it’s important to know as much as you can about mold and fungus.

What is Toxic Mold Syndrome?

Certain types of mold can produce spores that are released into the air. They produce a toxin known as a mycotoxin, which can lead to serious health issues when the spores are inhaled. Some of the symptoms of Toxic Mold Syndrome include:

• Fever

• Body Aches

• Dizziness

• Breathing Problems

• Nausea

Some people are more susceptible to Toxic Mold Syndrome than others. Children, the elderly, and those who have weakened immune systems are at much greater risk.

How is Toxic Mold Syndrome Proven?

In order to prove that someone has Toxic Mold Syndrome, a few steps need to be taken. First, medical proof needs to be obtained. Second, the existence of mold exposure must be proven. Finally, there must be proof that a defendant was negligent in providing proper treatment to remove any mold and fungus issues that exist on the property.

It’s in your best interests as a property manager to act quickly if a mold issue is brought to your attention. That way, you can avoid costly and time-consuming mold litigation. Here at Stern Mold, we specialize in identifying mold problems and removing them. For a free inspection, contact us.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Remediation

How to Get Mold Out of Your Kids’ Stuffed Animals

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Mold Isn't Just In Old Buildings, Find Out if You're Safe Before It's Too Late.

Kill Mold Spores

While mold can be bad for anyone’s health, it’s particularly dangerous for young children. Stuffed toys made with organic materials such as cotton and wool can form a breeding ground for mold, especially if your child chews on them.

Don’t take chances with your child’s health. Use these mold tips to sanitize any stuffed toys that may be harboring fungal growth.

Removing Mold from Stuffed Animals

1. Wash the stuffed animal in the machine or by hand, using the hottest water possible along with a detergent containing color-safe bleach. The combination of heat and bleach helps to kill mold spores.

2. Vinegar is another substance that kills mold spores and also removes the musty odor. Try:

• Adding one-half to one cup of vinegar to the wash cycle.

• If you prefer, pour one cup of vinegar directly into the wash water before adding the stuffed animal. The water will dilute the vinegar, allowing it to lighten the fabric evenly instead of leaving bleached areas.

3. Moisture is the key ingredient for mold growth, so wring out the stuffed animal thoroughly and use a towel to blot.

4. Hang the stuffed animal outdoors in the sunlight, which will serve to destroy any remaining mold. If there are still signs of mold after a full day in the sun, spray the animal with a mix of one part water to one part vinegar and hang it out for a second day.

Stern Mold: Serving NYC and Northern NJ

We have been providing effective mold removal service for more than 20 years. Visit our website for more helpful mold tips and schedule a free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Remediation, Mold Treatment, News

What Do I Need to Know About Mold in the Workplace?

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Mold in an Office Building is No Problem for Us

Mold in an Office Building is No Problem for Us

Mold in your home is a threat to your family’s health, but there are additional considerations when there’s an infestation in your office or business. Here is what the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has to say about the matter of mold in the workplace.

Detection and Prevention

• Any interior mold should always be removed, so testing is necessary only when visible growth can’t be confirmed.

• Excess moisture opens the door to mold growth, so water leaks and spills should be treated thoroughly within 24 to 48 hours.

• Maintain a regular building inspection schedule, paying close attention to HVAC systems, kitchens and bathrooms.

Health Issues

• The connection between mold growth and illness is still being studied, so there are currently no specific federal guidelines regarding mold in the workplace.

• Allergic reactions such as sneezing and red, itchy eyes are the most common health effects of inhaling mold spores.

• Consult a healthcare professional to address any concerns your employees may have.

Remediation

• An effective remediation plan should include steps to remove excess moisture and other conditions encouraging mold growth.

• Personal protection equipment such as goggles and respirators should be used by all remediation workers.

• Eating and drinking on-site should be avoided during the remediation process.

• Depending on the scope of the project, employees may need to be relocated while remediation is taking place.

Professional Mold Removal Service in NYC and Northern NJ

Our eco-friendly, non-invasive MoldExterm system is an efficient and cost-effective treatment for mold in the workplace. Contact us today to schedule a free mold inspection by our experienced and professionally-trained technicians.

Posted in Mold Law, Mold Remediation, MoldExterm, News
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