Category Archives: Mold Remediation

Mold and the Allergy Connection

Protect your family from an allergies by treating mold quickly.

Protect your family from allergies by treating mold quickly.

Allergies are a regular part of life, and millions of people suffer from them. In most cases, pollen is the main allergen, with symptoms including sneezing, itchy eyes, and others.

The Mold Connection

The interesting part of this scenario is that, if you or your kids are allergic to mold spores, the same symptoms will occur. Especially during the spring and summer, a mold allergy may be mistaken for a common allergy, and if your son or daughter also suffers from asthma, it could become a very serious health issue.

Mold Allergy Clues

If you or your children are prone to seasonal allergies, check to see if they become worse or flare up in different places. Go into other parts of the home, like laundry rooms, bathrooms and basements and monitor the reactions. If there is no difference in any room than being outside, then the chances are that you don’t have a mold problem.

If, however, allergic reactions become worse in these areas, it would be in your best interest to search for hidden mold, and there are several mold removal tips you can use if you find mold growing, or call in a professional.

If you have any questions about mold infestation, allergic mold reactions or want to know about mold removal tips for your residence, count on the professionals at Stern Mold. We are part of the Stern Environmental Group and we have answers to your questions. If you believe there is an allergic reaction to mold in your home, ask for our free mold inspection. We have been serving the New Jersey, New York City, and Long Island area since 1995.

Fourth Patient Exposed to Mold in Pittsburgh Dies

A fourth University of Pittsburgh Medical Center patient has died after contracting a fungal infection during a mold outbreak at the western Pennsylvania hospital. What caused the mold and fungus?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified a “negative pressure” room that was normally reserved for patients who already had infections as the likely source of the fungus. The rooms are designed to draw outside air in, but prevent air inside harboring potentially contagious disease from spreading to other patients. UPMC suspended the program September 21, 2015, but resumed it around a week later after reviewing procedures and treatments. UPMC spokeswoman Allison Hydzik stated the hospital wanted to “reassure our patients that we have taken every possible precaution to make our hospitals as safe as is humanly possible and have followed all recommendations made by federal and state regulators.”

Che DuVall, the 70-year-old retired glass cutter who passed away, was diagnosed with the infection in September a month after his double lung transplant. DuVall and other patients who died from the fungal infection were housed in the same room. He and his wife filed a lawsuit against UPMC alleging he was recklessly housed in a room that made him more susceptible to infection, which resulted in the removal of part of his new lungs.

UPMC declined to comment on the lawsuit, maintaining the deaths cannot be attributed to mold as transplant patients have weakened immune systems, increasing their risk of picking up infections that those who are otherwise healthy can routinely fight off.

Don’t let mold and fungus effect your health. Get rid of mold quickly and easily. Contact Stern Mold today.

Mold Puts a Damper on Holiday Cheer

Even holiday cheer is no match for a mold infestation. In mid-February, the Consumer Product and Safety Commission issued a recall of certain seasonal products under the Ashland label when they were found to have Aspergillus mold.

National chain reacts to moldy products

The affected products included artificial poinsettias, cardboard holiday boxes and holiday wreaths. They were all found at Michaels, a national chain that sells craft and art supplies. According to a statement from Michaels’ corporate office, the company discovered the mold through their own testing and reported the problem to the CPSC. A full refund was offered to purchasers, with or without a receipt.

Possible risks of mold-affected products

Aspergillus is one of the more common forms of mold. Its presence can be a serious health risk for people with allergies or compromised immune systems. Mold is found everywhere, and it’s harmless in small quantities. However, since mold can multiply rapidly, it’s best to dispose of affected products immediately to avoid cross-contamination.

While there are thousands of types of mold, one thing they all have in common is the need for moisture. Environmental health specialist Todd Seib says regardless of the species, it’s important to limit exposure by venting your bathroom and keeping humidity below 60 percent. Without proper ventilation, mold can appear within 72 hours.

A specialist interviewed about the Michaels situation stated that mold treatment through remediation can take one week to several months. Our proprietary mold treatment process is usually completed within one day, resulting in little to no disruption in your daily activities. Contact Stern Mold today to schedule your free mold inspection.

Judge Steps in to Force Mold Repairs in NY Public Housing

When federal Judge William H. Pauley found out New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) officials were not giving proper attention to mold treatment in public housing, he appointed a monitor to oversee the work and ensure the root cause of the mold is addressed. Judge Pauley said officials were jeopardizing the health and public welfare of NYCHA residents.

Mold is a widespread problem

Over 300 housing projects are known to have mold issues, many due to damage from Hurricane Sandy. Residents complained about the shoddy workmanship being done. They said workers were just scraping off visible mold and painting over the affected area. Judge Pauley’s decree should ensure the housing units receive proper mold treatment going forward.

NYCHA sued over mold

The National Center for Law and Economic Justice along with environment group The Natural Resources Defense Council filed a class-action suit against the city back in 2013.

Many occupants of NYCHA were experiencing health issues like asthma due to breathing mold spores. The Housing Authority quickly settled the suit and said it would complete needed repairs within 15 days of any work order.

Judge Pauley issued his ruling because officials were extending repair timelines and not providing proper mold treatment. Mold also came back in about 41 percent of the areas treated by the Housing Authority because workers were not eliminating the moisture source that was feeding mold colonies.

Landlords must take mold seriously

Mold can lead to serious health problems for some people. To protect your tenants’ health and yourself from lawsuits, choose Stern Mold for your mold treatment. We use the cost-effective MoldExterm method for thorough treatment with minimal downtime for you.

Could Mold be Causing Your Depression?

Depression Linked to Mold

Depression Linked to Mold

Indoor mold infestations have long been linked to allergies and upper respiratory ailments such as wheezing, runny nose and chronic sinus infections. As if that wasn’t enough, researchers have discovered another reason to seek effective mold treatment. Their studies show a strong connection between mold and depression.

Studying the correlation between mold and depression

Ironically, Brown University epidemiologist Edmond Shenassa and his team originally set out to debunk reports from the United Kingdom indicating the likelihood of a link. What they found, according to Shenassa, was “a solid association” between depression and the presence of mold.

The basis of the study was a statistical analysis of data from a survey conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO). Interviewers questioned nearly 6,000 adults across eight European cities on a variety of topics regarding housing and health, including symptoms of depression. During the visit, interviewers also made a visual check for signs of mold.

Physical and mental effects of mold

Shenassa is quick to point out that the study is not conclusive proof, but demonstrates a strong enough connection that he and his team are conducting follow-up research. He adds that depression appears to be driven by mold-related physical problems along with a perceived lack of control over living conditions.

Don’t put yourself and your family at risk for the negative health effects of mold. Our non-toxic MoldExterm system provides safe and effective mold treatment with little or no disruption of your daily activities. Visit our website to learn more about why Stern Mold is the answer to your mold problems.

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