Category Archives: Mold Tips

Mold and Children – Know the Facts

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As adults, we don’t want to take the chance for any health risks and expose ourselves to mold, and mold treatment is the best option. Yet, as bad as it is for adults, increasing evidence suggests it is far worse for kids than previously determined.

Reactive Airway Disease

Usually associated with asthma, although they are not one and the same, reactive airway disease can be influenced by many types of airborne particles, particularly mold spores. Mold spores can adversely affect a child’s immune system, so later in life there may be an increased negative reaction to inhaled antigens of all types.

If your child does have asthma, or any type of reactive airway disease, mold spores are known to bring on asthma attacks. If exposure is excessive, there’s a possibility that the child may develop hemorrhagic pneumonia, or worse – deaths have also been reported.

Don’t Take Chances

If you see any signs that there is a mold infestation in your home, particularly in places that are damp, like bathrooms or laundry rooms, get it checked out. Granted, no one wants to be exposed to any type of mold spores, but research now proves that it may be far worse for kids than what was formerly known.

If you have any questions about mold infestation or want to know about mold treatment in your residence, count on the professionals at Stern Mold. We are part of the Stern Environmental Group and will answer all of your questions. 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 Tips, News

Tenants: Moving Out When Mold Moves In

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Moving out when mold moves in is actually a tricky situation. Regardless of anything else, and no matter where you live, you can’t just drop everything and leave. There are certain protocols that must be adhered to before you can legally move out.

Notification

The first thing to do if mold is found, is to notify your landlord. This is an absolute must, and once notified the landlord must remedy the situation in a timely manner.

However, if you wait too long or know about leaking pipes or a high humidity situation, like when an exhaust fan in the bathroom goes out, you yourself might be held liable for the mold infestation. This is why it’s important to notify your landlord at the first sign of a problem, or the first sign of mold.

Moving Out

In most states, the landlord will have 30 days to rectify the problem, and if it poses a health risk, the landlord may relocate you to another apartment or a hotel room until the mold extermination has been finished.

If the mold is considered a health risk and your landlord does nothing, you may be able to legally break your lease and leave. Make sure to keep documentation, like pictures and video, in case you must prove your case in court.

If you have any questions about mold extermination issues in your residence, rely on the professionals at Stern Mold. We are part of the Stern Environmental Group, and will answer all of your questions or do a 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 Tips, News

Should You Attempt to Remove Mold in Your Home?

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The answer requires an understanding of which type of mold you have. To reduce health risk and be certain, this is a question for your mold treatment professional. But there are a couple of things to look for that will help you make a decision.

Topical Mold

Topical mold is generally found in damp places that are not organic. Things like bathroom tiles, tub surrounds, plastic door and window thresholds, even mold on the surface of paint are all topical types of mold.

In most cases, a dedicated mold eating enzyme or a bleach solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water, should do the trick. You may have to scrub a bit, and always wear a face mask if you attempt this. In most cases, you’ll be able to successfully remove the mold.

Deep Seated Mold

Deep seated mold is generally found on organic substances. Drywall, wooden flooring, wall studs, plywood and the like, are considered organic substances.

What this means is that mold can actually penetrate these materials, which means that just wiping them away is not going to get rid of it. The mold will literally be growing beneath the surface, and in this instance, the only effective way to rid yourself of this type of mold problem is to call in a professional.

If you have any questions about topical or deep seated mold treatment issues in your residence, you can rely on the professionals at Stern Mold. We are part of the Stern Environmental Group, and we will answer all of your questions or do a 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 Tips, Mold Treatment, News

$32 Million Dollar Verdict for Mold Sets Insurers Up to Take a Fall

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Mold Insurance claims

Mold Insurance claims

Mold claims, for insurance purposes, have been a gray area when it came to households, rentals or condos. Most people would make a claim about mold issues after they had been living at a specific residence for some time. Litigation always revolved around the supposition about whether or not the mold was there when a person moved in, if there was an external underlying cause, or if the person in residence created the problem.

Ballard Vs Fire Insurance Exchange

The Ballard lawsuit changed the way the industry looked at mold infestation and mold treatment. Without going into extended detail, the Ballard Family began to experience toxic mold symptoms after a major plumbing leak, and the insurance company refused to acknowledge there was a problem, even after contractors told them there was.

Ballard eventually hired private independent mold specialists that confirmed toxic mold to be present, and once that happened, the family moved out of the residence. Based on the findings of the independents, the lawsuit against Fire Insurance Exchange was settled in Ballard’s favor.

Don’t Take Chances

If you feel that there might be a mold problem in your residence, and this is particularly true if you are renting or have moved into a property that was occupied before you, get some independent testing done. Any documentation by a certified company will go a long way if you ever have to file a claim about mold infestation.

For the best in NYC mold treatment, rely on the professionals at Stern Mold. We are part of the Stern Environmental Group, and have been serving the New Jersey, New York City, and Long Island area since 1995.

Posted in Mold Law, Mold Tips, News

Mold Puts a Damper on Holiday Cheer

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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.

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