Category Archives: Mold Tips

Do You Have Black Mold Behind Your Walls?

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The question we pose in the title is a bit of a trick one. Any type of hidden mold in a business or home can pose a health risk.

Black mold produces mycotoxins that usually do more harm to human and pet health than molds that do not have these mycotoxins. What most building owners do not realize is that there are many types of black-colored molds that are not toxic, as well as many non-black-colored toxic species. Stachybotrys chartarum (Stachybotrys atra) is the black mold that you usually hear most often about in the news.

Yet, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points out, you should be worried about any type of mold hidden behind walls.

Various non-toxic molds exacerbate certain health conditions, such as a weak immune system or allergies, in anyone who is sensitive enough to them. Plenty of mold species also weaken the immune system and cause neurological damage in previously healthy people.

Signs of Hidden Mold

At Stern Mold, we recommend you get an immediate building inspection if any of the following applies:

  • Visible mold growth or a musty smell exists.
  • Wet spots and discoloration have appeared on walls or ceilings.
  • Wallpaper or paint damage, such as cracking and peeling, recently started to appear.
  • Rust has formed on pipes.
  • Building occupants have complained of more allergies or “sick building” symptoms.

Warning: It is especially important to get an inspection if any of the above applies and one or more recent or past leaks or floods have taken place.

Stern Mold offers a free inspection and price quote. Contact us today at 888-887-8376 or use our convenient online form.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Tips, News

NJ Mold Tips: How to Tell Employees About Your Mold Problem

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A single syllable, the word “mold” is feared by employers and building owners across the U.S. Unfortunately, you’ve discovered some on your premises. But with lawsuits concerning “sick building syndrome” commonplace, what’s the safest and best way to discuss this issue with employees?

What is the best way to prepare your employees for NYC mold treatment?

  • Take responsibility.
    Admitting to the presence of mold can be tough, but it’s your duty to ensure a fit workplace, including proper indoor air quality. This means you have a legal responsibility to remove all signs of mold contamination with NYC mold treatment. See the EPA’s extensive remediation pamphlet for commercial structures, “Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings” for guidance. OSHA also has information to assist you, including free and confidential on-site consultation services, which are penalty and citation-free, to help you correct hazards.
  • Quell fears.
    Mold issues are likely to cause concern and anxiety amongst workers. Arm them with knowledge and be openly available to discuss the situation to prevent speculation and panic. Mold is present in all buildings in some form or quantity. Only certain species of mold produce “mycotoxins” in concentrations large enough to effect health.
  • Post or provide information.
    Including professional assessment and written treatment details. Explain to employees the steps you’re taking to ensure their protection, including cleaning or if relocation will be necessary.
  • Address the problem.
    Let your immediate action do the talking. It’s your job to protect the health of your employees, and your prompt attention shows you’re taking it seriously.

Want to know more about NJ & NYC mold treatment options for your business? Contact Stern today.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Tips, News

Mold Problems Can Cause Landlords More Than Headaches

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Whenever you read or hear a news story about Real Estate and Mold, you are likely to also notice the words litigation and plaintiffs. That is because mold in apartments or rental properties can be a serious health risk to occupants and a major liability to landlords.

People with any type of immunodeficiency condition are at highest risk. That can include young children, seniors, people with diabetes, those with Graves’ disease, asthma sufferers, and many other common conditions. That means every landlord has some tenants that are highly sensitive to mold spores and at risk of serious illness from unhealthy air.

Indoor air quality laws

In 2001, California was the first state to pass any law dealing with toxic mold in residential rental properties. That state was quickly followed by Maryland, New Jersey, Nevada, Texas, and Washington. By 2003, 30 states and the federal government had passed some form of Real Estate and Mold legislation. Also growing at a brisk pace are personal injury lawsuits connected with mold exposure in apartments and rental houses. The Environmental Law Institute has a database of indoor air quality laws for every state.

Other legal actions

As homeowners are finding out in Ypsilanti Township, properties can draw legal actions even without having any current occupants. The board of trustees for Ypsilanti has served notice to eight homeowners that they need to make the needed repairs or the houses will be declared a public nuisance and demolished.

To protect your tenants from unhealthy air and protect yourself from possible legal action, call Stern Mold to schedule a thorough inspection of all your buildings. Ask about our effective MoldExterm system.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Tips

Can You Sell Your Home With Mold Inside

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Can You Sell It?

Can You Sell It?

How would you feel if you found the house of your dreams and it turned out to have mold? The answer to that question should be your guide if you are putting your house up for sale and discover a mold infestation. It can be done ethically and successfully, but only if you take responsibility for addressing the problem immediately.

Drawbacks of Selling a House with Mold

People today have a greater awareness of the health dangers associated with mold. They are not going to take a chance on buying a house affected by mold, especially if they have or are planning to have children.

The problem also has financial ramifications. Potential buyers are not going to  take on the cost of NJ mold treatment when they can find houses without mold for the same price or even less.

Legal consequences are an even more serious matter. You could be facing a major lawsuit if you sell your home and mold is detected immediately afterwards.

Steps for Dealing with a Mold Problem

The sooner you’re aware of a mold problem, the better. Make it a point to regularly inspect your home for signs of mold, paying particular attention to damp areas such as bathrooms and basements.

If you do discover mold, have a professional conduct a thorough removal. Document all activities related to the mold disposal to protect yourself from charges that you ignored the situation.

Our proprietary MoldExterm NJ mold treatment method is less costly and intrusive than remediation. In addition, it works to reduce the moisture problem that caused the mold in the first place. Contact us to schedule a free inspection.

Posted in Mold Tips, Mold Treatment, News

Mold Spreads Via Spores – What Are They

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Mold is a serious problem. Much like rust, it will get worse, continue spreading, and cause serious damage if not properly removed. It spreads via spores and these tiny units of reproduction are resilient and highly prolific.

What is mold?

Mold is a fungus that destroys any organic matter is attaches to like leaves, wood, and paper. It grows on the surface of these materials and may be black, blue, green, or some combination. The color is typically determined by its nutrient source and the age of the mold colony. It requires moisture, a food source, and oxygen. The ideal temperature range for mold is between 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees Celsius) and 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius).

How mold spreads?

The mold colony grows and will cover many square feet of a surface. It also produces spores. The spores can survive in dry and harsh conditions that the colony cannot. The spores travel easily on indoor and outdoor air. These spores may reproduce sexually or asexually depending on how the spore was formed. Mold spores are smaller than pollen, dust, and many other air-borne irritants. This allows the mold spores to escape many filtering mechanisms.

Health risks?

Many people are not adversely affected by low levels of exposure to mold spores. However, long-term exposure to low levels may be as harmful as short-term exposure to high levels of mold. People with asthma or a compromised immune system are at highest risk of problems.

Don’t take any chances. Stern Mold uses the advanced MoldExterm system to eliminate mold and prevent it from coming back. Contacts us for a free quote.

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