Category Archives: Mold Tips

Introducing Our New Mold Information Resource

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Get the Information You Need on Mold!

Get the Information You Need on Mold!

In recent years, the problem of interior mold growth and its effect on building occupants has gained an increasing amount of attention. With everything that’s being written on the topic, how can you tell the difference between facts and misinformation?

Our experts at Stern Mold have created a Mold Information Center on our website to promote understanding of these fungi along with how and why it should be treated. Here are some of the questions you will find addressed in the Center.

What are the Top Five Types of Mold Found Inside Homes and Buildings?

Mold is a far-ranging category that includes more than 100,000 identified varieties. Only biologists and other scientific researchers need to go into that amount of depth, so we provide an overview of the types of mold most commonly found indoors.

Is All Mold Toxic?

Much of the reporting about mold has focused on toxic or black mold, so some people have come to believe that those terms apply to any type of mold found in homes and other buildings. We explain the true meanings of those two terms as they refer to mold.

What Are Mold Spores? Why is Treatment Important?

One shortcoming of traditional mold remediation is that it can actually spread infestations by dispersing spores. Learn why effective treatment includes elimination of spores as well as the actual growth.

Stern Mold: Serving NYC and Northern NJ since 1995

Our two-stage MoldExterm treatment is more effective and less invasive than traditional mold remediation, and it provides protection against future infestations. Visit our website for more information and schedule your free mold inspection by our professionally trained technicians.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, Mold Tips

Mold 101: What Is a Mycotoxin from Mold?

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Close-up of Mold Mycellium

Close-up of Mold Mycellium

Much of the risk associated with indoor infestations of mold and fungus is due to substances called mycotoxins. You probably recognize that the root word “toxin” refers to poison, but what else do you need to know about these potentially harmful substances?

How Mycotoxins are Ingested

Mycotoxins are invisible to the naked eye. They can be as small as 0.1 microns, making them even more microscopic than mold spores, which range from one to 20 microns. Their minute size and airborne nature make it impossible to create an effective barrier.

Most mycotoxins enter through the respiratory system, where they can cause problems ranging from sneezing and coughing to asthma attacks. Others pass through skin or the membranes of the eyes, while toxic mold on crops can result in people or animals ingesting mycotoxins via food.

Treating Mycotoxins

You may hear talk about killing mycotoxins, but they are not living organisms, so the process really involves breaking down mycotoxins and neutralizing their toxicity.

• Bleach that includes five percent sodium hypochlorite kills some of the more common mycotoxins, including trichothecene and aflatoxin.

• The intense heat of fire can destroy mycotoxins. At 500°F, detoxification takes 30 minutes.

• Ozone is effective against most mycotoxins, but it requires a level that is unsafe for humans.

Mycotoxins will eventually break down on their own, but it can take several years for some varieties.

Traditional mold remediation can disperse spores and mycotoxins into the air, allowing them to settle and take hold in other areas. Our MoldExterm process removes mold and fungus quickly and efficiently while preventing future outbreaks. Contact Stern Mold today for a free mold inspection.

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

What Does Toxic Mold Look Like?

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Don't let your home become a petri dish.

Don’t let your home become a petri dish.

There are many different types of mold and most of them are not a problem. But toxic black mold is, and here is what it looks like and where you’ll find it.

Black Mold

Black mold can be in streaks, clumps or patches. It may first appear to look like black dirt, black ink or black paint, which smears easily if wiped with a rag. When dried, it looks like flaky black dandruff and it will either be in large pieces or tiny spots.

Where to Find It

Toxic black mold needs moisture to survive. Which means you are most often going to find it in bathrooms, laundry rooms, around pools and spas, and even basements or crawl spaces that have high humidity.

Leaky pipes that drip or spray, are also prime areas for black mold, especially where it has been undetected and going on for a long time, like in closets, cabinets or under counters.

Another prime area is from dripping room air conditioners. These drips can get behind walls and paneling, and cause a major toxic black mold infestation that you may not even realize you have until it’s too late.

Mold Treatment

Mold treatment is a top priority for any toxic black mold infestation. If you have noticed toxic black mold, don’t take any chances. Just rely on the professionals at Stern Mold to rid your house or home of toxic black mold. We’re part of the Stern Environmental Group, and will answer all of your questions or schedule a free mold inspection for your residence. We have been serving the New Jersey, New York City, and Long Island area since 1995.

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

Mold 101: Will I Have Mold After a Water Leak?

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Mold requires water to grow. Since mold spores float invisibly through the air, any source of moisture becomes a potential area for infestation. Pay close attention to these clues so you can obtain mold treatment before the problem grows out of hand.

  • Water leaks are one of the biggest triggers for indoor mold. Sometimes the leak is evident, such as water dripping from the ceiling. Any time you have a visible leak, continue to monitor the area after repairs.
  • Many leaks are not immediately apparent, but there are some telltale clues. Water stains on walls or ceilings, blistering and peeling paint or wallpaper, or damp surfaces are the primary signs of a moisture problem.
  • Condensation on windows or pipes can signal a potential mold problem. The water itself provides nourishment for mold, while the high humidity levels causing the condensation will also encourage mold growth.
  • Have you ever experienced flooding in your home? That is a red flag for mold infestation, particularly in areas where the water was standing the longest.
  • Don’t rely strictly on visual cues. Mold can grow under damp carpeting, behind water-stained walls and in other out-of-the-way places. In these cases, you may begin to notice an unpleasant odor without actually seeing mold.

Mold may seem innocent, but in addition to damaged surfaces, it can cause health problems like headaches, sinus infections and other allergic reactions. Our proprietary mold treatment is quick, efficient, ecofriendly and protects against future mold infestations. Contact Stern Mold today for a free inspection by our friendly and knowledgeable technicians.

Posted in Mold Remediation, Mold Tips, News

Mold and the Allergy Connection

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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.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Remediation, Mold Tips, MoldExterm
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