Category Archives: Mold Tips

Tenants Know Your Rights When It Comes to a Mold Problem

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Landlord-tenant relationships, and the court cases tied to their management, are nothing new. Following evictions, do you know what the second most common cause for court cases is? Complaints about neglected repairs, including mold treatment.

What should I do if I have a mold problem?
Your landlord is required to keep your home in fit and habitable condition, and mold problems could affect your family’s health and safety. Verbal reminders won’t cut it. Notify your landlord in writing documenting what needs to be fixed (roof leak, plumbing, etc.), keeping copies and proof of mailing as documentation you requested the repairs. Advise your landlord you will move from the property if the repairs aren’t made within a timely manner (i.e. starting repairs within 14 days), and finished within a reasonable amount of time.

Pursuing legal options
For those with extensive written documentation who have doggedly pursued mold treatment from landlords to no avail, filing a case with your local legal justice center may be of help – provided area law and your lease specifically stipulate the landlord as liable. Keep in mind, however, court costs are on the renter and decision in the hands of the judge, leaving your best outcomes reimbursement for damaged items, cleanup you contracted, or a lease broken without penalty and return of your security deposit.

Moving to escape mold
Many people become frustrated, simply moving to avoid moldy conditions. Unfortunately, without deep cleaning to affected furniture and upholstery, mold is moving with you.

Tired of living with mold in your rental home? Stern mold can help, offering free mold testing and affordable mold treatment options – without ripping out your walls. Contact Stern to learn more today.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Tips, MoldExterm

NASA Space Launch is Grounded by Mold

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Mold from warehouse impacts NASA.

Mold from warehouse impacts NASA.

When it comes to mold, even billion-dollar government agencies are vulnerable to its dangers. NASA was forced to delay the March 10 launch of a supply shipment when mold treatment was required for its cargo.

Mold in outer space?

An unmanned Orbital ATK Cygnus craft was scheduled to leave Cape Canaveral Air Force Station carrying the next load of supplies to the International Space Station. The launch was put on hold after a routine inspection at Kennedy Space Center discovered a substance growing on two of the fabric cargo bags.

Subsequent microbial analysis revealed that the substance was black mold. NASA decided to take the precaution of unpacking and disinfecting all the cargo. This marks the first time that mold has interfered with an ISS supply shipment.

NASA’s mold safety precautions

According to NASA spokesperson Dan Huot, the agency performs regular inspections and disinfects cargo bags to provide “a safe environment for the crew members.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise that mold can cause allergic reactions ranging from stuffiness and wheezing to fever and shortness of breath.

Although earlier inspections showed that the Cygnus’s pressurized module was clean, Huot stated that an investigation is being conducted to determine the source of the mold. Officials are now aiming for a March 22 launch.

Don’t let a mold infestation bring activities at your home or business to a screeching halt. Our effective and eco-friendly mold treatment is usually completed in one day, creating minimum disruption to your daily routine. Contact Stern Mold today to schedule a free mold inspection.

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

Could Mold be Causing Your Depression?

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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.

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

Flooded? Tips on Staying Safe When Returning Home to Check for Mold

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Flooding is the most common natural disaster throughout the world. According to the National Weather Service, flash floods and river floods caused more than $2.5 billion in property damages across the U.S. in 2014. Thirty-eight people were killed and numerous families were displaced from their homes temporarily.

When people did return to their residences, they found insects, rodents, and nasty mud inside. Water contains contaminants that encourage mold and fungus growth. The risk of mold inside your home is increased after a flood. Here are some tips from the Red Cross for staying safe when you return home after a flood.

Basic safety procedures

Be sure officials have declared the area safe. It is best to leave children and pets with someone else when you make your initial visit. You should bring proper ID to verify your address. The utilities may be down. Bring some bottled water, non-perishable food, and hand cleaning gel.

Document damages

Inspect the exterior of your home. Look for damage to power lines. If there is significant roof damage or cracks in the walls or foundation, it may not be safe to enter the building. If you smell natural gas, contact the fire department and leave the area immediately.

Have a camera to document everything. As you enter, open doors and windows to allow the house to air out. Snakes and other animals may be inside your home. Use a stick to poke through any piles of debris.

Clean up

Food items will begin to spoil quickly. Remove unsafe food any damp upholstered furniture. Call the experts at Stern Mold for a free inspection and treatment of mold and fungus.

 

 

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

Top Hazards for Your Home – Mold is Number One

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The word “mold” is actually a generic catch-all term for a variety of fungi. Species of indoor mold include Aspergillus, Epicoccum and Trichoderma. No matter what the form, mold growth in your home or building can lead to a number of unpleasant and potentially serious effects.

The nature of mold

According to the definition used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, mold and other fungi are plants, although they have no roots, leaves or flowers. Mold is most commonly thought of as being black or green, but it actually appears in yellow, pink and brown as well.

Mold reproduces by spores, which are microscopic cells that are invisible to the eye as they drift throughout the air. DIY mold treatment is usually ineffective because spores remain behind to land on other surfaces.

Moisture is the common denominator required for growth of any mold species. Water leaks are an obvious risk factor, but any damp surface in humid areas such as bathrooms and basements is a candidate for mold.

Mold’s destructive effects

Active mold growth destroys its host material. This is no problem outdoors, where mold breaks down organic matter as part of the cycle of nature. Indoors, unchecked mold growth can result in structural damage.

A more serious issue is mold’s potential impact on your health. The presence of mold has been associated with allergies and upper respiratory ailments, leading the Institute of Medicine to issue a report in 2004 citing damp indoor areas as a “public health problem.”

Our unique MoldExterm mold treatment program eliminates mold growth and provides a barrier against future infestations. Contact us today to schedule a free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Tips, News
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