Category Archives: Mold Tips

Tips on Filing a Mold Complaint with Your Property Manager

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Keep an Eye Out (and Nose Even) for Mold!

Keep an Eye Out (and Nose Even) for Mold!

When living in a rental unit, virtually any type of issue with the unit’s structure must be called to attention by way of your property manager. That also includes a mold infestation, which may or may not be directly related to personal property in your household.

Here are some tips on filing a mold complaint:

• Notification — Notify your property manager of mold. Orally notifying them is good, but always take it one step further by writing a letter and making a duplicate, then putting it in the property managers mailbox. Make sure it’s dated, too.

• Pictures — Take pictures of the mold problem; you can even use your cell phone if it has a camera. Make sure you get several angles, and offload the pictures to a computer. If needed for evidence, you’ll know where to find them and they won’t be inadvertently deleted from your phone.

• File a Written Complaint — If the property manager or owner of the building won’t act quickly for mold treatment, you can file a written complaint with the housing department in your city, town or jurisdiction. Check online or go down to City Hall and ask questions about filing a legal complaint.

In most situations your property manager will be willing to help cure any mold problem that you may find. It’s in their best interest to take care of the problem as quickly and effectively as possible, to prevent health issues or legal actions from affecting their bottom line.

If you have questions about mold treatment in your rental, please contact Stern Mold. We will work with you and your property manager to rid your home of mold.

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

Mold Outbreak Death Lawsuit in Pennsylvania Settled for Over $1 Million

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

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

Do you believe that interior mold and fungus is found only in old, dirty buildings? The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) recently settled the second lawsuit to arise as the result of a mold outbreak dating back to 2014.

A Disturbing Pattern

Shelby Slagle, a 27-year-old woman from Groveport, OH, had a heart transplant at UPMC, but died in June 2015. This past September, the hospital paid $1.35 million to settle a lawsuit filed by Slagle’s widower.

This judgment came shortly after another lawsuit that settled for the same amount in May 2016. The family of 47-year-old Tracy Fischer of Erie, PA, filed suit following Fischer’s death in October 2014 after developing a fungal infection.

During the period between 2014 and July 2016, three other UPMC transplant patients died as a result of mold infections. All five spent time in a “negative pressure”‘ room, prompting a federal investigation of these cases.

Could These Deaths Have Been Prevented?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), negative pressure rooms are intended to house patients who have a pre-existing infection. The ventilation system is designed to pull outside air into the room, reducing the possibility of infections spreading throughout the hospital but increasing the chance of infections in transplant patients who are taking drugs to suppress their immune systems.

Protect Your Family with Expert Mold Treatment from Stern Mold

When it comes to mold treatment, there is no wait-and-see period. Visit our website to learn more about our proprietary MoldExterm process that safely removes mold and leaves a barrier preventing future infestations.

 

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Tips, News

Does Black Mold Smell?

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The Nose Knows.

The Nose Knows.

When it comes to mold and fungus, out of sight is not out of mind. Sometimes an infestation develops in a hidden or out-of-the-way space, and the first clue comes through your nose rather than your eyes. What causes the odor, and what steps should you take to remove it?

The Nose Knows

Mold and fungus produce several gasses known as microbial volatile organic compounds, or MVOC. Many of them are odorless, but some of these gasses emit that stale, musty odor that’s commonly associated with mold.

While the smell of mold is unpleasant on its own, it’s indicative of a more serious health threat. If you can smell mold, chances are high that you’re inhaling both MVOC and mold spores themselves. Some of these compounds are mycotoxins that can cause physical and mental ailments ranging from sinus infections to depression.

How Do You Remove Mold Odor?

Scented candles, sprays and other conventional air fresheners are only temporary solutions because they simply mask the smell. The only way to truly rid your home or office of mold odor is to remove the source.

If you smell that tell-tale musty odor, don’t rely on an over-the-counter mold test. Professionally trained technicians such as the ones at Stern Mold have the know-how to get accurate results and the experience to determine where to look for mold and fungus.

MoldExterm: A Non-Toxic, Non-Invasive Solution

Traditional mold remediation will remove the smell along with a good chunk of building materials. Contact us for a free mold inspection in NYC or northern NJ and learn why MoldExterm is the most effective way to remove and prevent mold and fungus.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification, Mold Tips, News

Mold Treatment Tips for Renters

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Finding Mold in Your Rental Home

Finding Mold in Your Rental Home

Mold can easily go unnoticed in your New York apartment or house. It can grow under carpet, inside the walls, or in the ceiling. Mold can cause serious health problems for many people. Unlike smoke or a natural gas leak, the presence of mold is not always obvious and there are no alarms to detect the existence of mold spores in the air. If you or any member of your household are experiencing persistent allergy symptoms, your apartment may need mold treatment.

Signs of mold

Mold needs moisture to grow. If you see water spots on the walls, ceiling or floor, that’s an opportunity for mold. Cracked or peeling paint and wallpaper that is separating from the wall can also indicate water damage. Mold may look like a mysterious dirty spot in the corner of a room or soot stain around an HVAC register. As mentioned previously, mold can grow inside walls or in the ceiling without giving any visual indication of its presence. If you notice a musty smell in one area of your residence, further investigation may be necessary.

Speak to your landlord

You should report any water leaks, moisture problems, or signs of mold to your property manager immediately. Mold is a serious issue that does not go away on its own. By catching a mold problem early, you will likely save them money on mold treatment costs. The New York State Department of Health recommends you contact your local building department or code enforcement official if your landlord fails to address the problem.

Building owners can contact Stern Mold for a free mold consultation in Northern NJ and NYC.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information, Mold Tips, News

Mold Mycotoxins and Your Health

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Is Mold Causing You to Feel Under the Weather?

Is Mold Causing You to Feel Under the Weather?

Understanding the relationship between mold and your health can be very important if you see mold growing in your home. The mycotoxins that some mold varieties produce can cause serious allergic reactions and make you or your loved ones very sick.

What Are Mycotoxins?

Scientifically speaking, a mycotoxin is a type of byproduct that mold colonies produce that is harmful to humans or animals. Different types of mold make their own toxic byproducts, but some of them only harm bacteria (this is where we get prescription antibiotics) or only harm plants.

How Do They Affect Your Health?

Less serious health effects can include mild allergic reactions, coughing, clogged sinuses, and watery eyes. Prolonged exposure to certain mycotoxins, or even acute exposure to very dangerous strains, can cause respiratory problems, among other issues, that may require hospitalization.

How to Get Rid of Mycotoxins

Getting rid of mycotoxins means eliminating the mold colonies which are producing them. The best way to do this is to get a mold removal expert who knows what to look for and how to take care of the problem. The negative effects of mold and your health problems that might arise from long-term exposure usually means the sooner you have it treated, the better.

If you think you might have mold in your home, give us a call at 888-887-8376 and we will be happy to inspect to see if you do have a mold problem. Our staff is trained to identify different types of mold, inform you on the risks you might face, and recommend the appropriate remediation.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Tips
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