Category Archives: Mold Treatment

Guest Sues Hotel Chain for Mold Exposure

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Mold Can Creep Into Your Hotel Room -- Be on the Lookout!

Mold Can Creep Into Your Hotel Room — Be on the Lookout!

New Jersey mold removal isn’t a problem only for homeowners. A national hotel chain may be facing legal repercussions as the result of a moldy bathroom in one of their locations.

An Unpleasant Surprise

After DeAnna Kron checked into her room at the Quality Inn in Mankato, MN, she discovered mold underneath peeling wallpaper in the bathroom. In addition, mold particles had dispersed on towels as well as the floor and toilet.

When Kron reported her discovery to the front desk staff, they allegedly replied that maintenance wouldn’t be able to address the situation until the following Monday. A discussion with a regional corporate manager yielded no satisfaction, so Kron contacted the state health inspector.

He Said, She Said

Dave Reimann, an environmental health specialist with the Minnesota Department of Health, responded to Kron’s call and confirmed the presence of mold in her hotel room. Reimann noted he had performed an annual inspection four months earlier and the wallpaper was peeling, but there were no signs of mold at the time.

On behalf of the hotel, manager Prince Shergill says Kron was offered an upgrade to a suite, which she denies. Kron also says she began suffering from a sore throat and cough. It was expected that confirmation of mold as the cause of her illness could take several weeks.

Effective New Jersey Mold Removal for Commercial Buildings

Don’t put your business and your customers at risk. Contact Stern Mold to schedule a free inspection from our experienced technicians.

Posted in Mold Information, Mold Treatment, News

Mold in Hotels Creates a Dangerous Overnight Stay for Guests

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Mold in Hotels is a Hidden Yet Dangerous Problem

Mold in Hotels is a Hidden Yet Dangerous Problem

Hotels rely on word-of-mouth and repeat guests to keep a steady stream of business. Few things will hurt a hotel’s reputation more than the presence of mold. Here’s a look at why New Jersey mold removal should be a priority for all hotels.

Mold Risk Factors in Hotels

• Guests are constantly adjusting in-room air conditioning units for their own comfort. Along with controlling temperature,  air conditioning creates condensation that forms a breeding ground for mold.

• Wallpaper and carpeting, elements of just about every hotel room, trap moisture and provide organic nutrients mold loves to feed on.

• Hotels require a large water supply system, increasing the possibility of leaks, burst pipes and flooding.

Tips to Control Mold Growth

• A high-quality professional housekeeping staff is a must for any hotel. Employees should be thoroughly trained to recognize signs of mold and report them promptly to their supervisor.

• Turn off air conditioning in any unoccupied rooms.

• Reduce condensation by insulating partition walls.

• Be respectful and courteous if a guest reports a mold issue. Do everything possible to place them in more suitable accommodations. Exceptional customer service goes a long way toward maintaining the good will of guests.

Experienced New Jersey Mold Removal for Businesses

Traditional mold remediation can disrupt your business for days, even weeks. Our proprietary MoldExterm program is non-intrusive, eco-friendly and cost-effective. Contact Stern Mold to schedule a free inspection and consultation by members of our friendly and knowledgeable technicians.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Remediation, Mold Treatment, MoldExterm, News, NJ Mold Removal, NYC Mold Removal

Bathroom Mold? When Can You Clean and When Do You Need a Professional

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Bathroom Mold? When Can You Clean and When Do You Need a Professional

Bathroom Mold? When Can You Clean and When Do You Need a Professional

Moisture is vital to mold development, making bathrooms a prime spot for infestations. When is DIY cleaning sufficient and when is professional NYC mold removal required? Here’s a guide to prevention and control of bathroom mold.

Preventing Bathroom Mold

Mold is a common problem in bathrooms, but it doesn’t require leaky pipes or other damage. Everyday bathing and showering creates a moisture level sufficient to promote mold growth.

• Install and use a ventilation fan. Keep it running for 30 minutes after a shower or bath.

• Purchase a mildew-resistant shower curtain.

• Avoid storing toys, loofahs and other items in the shower.

• Wash towels and bathroom rugs frequently.

• Periodically check hidden spaces such as underneath sinks and inside cabinets.

Cleaning Mold Growth

Take action as soon as you discover signs of mold to prevent further spread throughout the bathroom or into other rooms.

• Use cleaning products containing bleach, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide or other mold-killing ingredients. Apply separately, as mixing products can result in toxic reactions.

• Keep doors and windows open while cleaning so fresh air will help remove moisture.

• Remove and replace mold-infested caulking or sealant.

• Seek professional NYC mold removal if the affected area is larger than 10 square feet or if mold has penetrated walls and insulation.

Stern Mold: Effective NYC Mold Removal for Homes and Businesses

Our proprietary MoldExterm program is a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for the toughest mold problems. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and consultation with our experienced technicians.

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

What Illnesses Are Caused by Mold Exposure and Mold Spore Inhalation

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What Illnesses Are Caused by Mold Exposure and Mold Spore Inhalation

What Illnesses Are Caused by Mold Exposure and Mold Spore Inhalation

Mold infestations are unsightly, but health risks presented by circulating mold spores are a more urgent consideration. Our Manhattan mold removal services reduce the danger of contracting a number of illnesses connected with exposure to and inhalation of mold spores.

Upper Respiratory Symptoms

As mold spores are inhaled, they tend to settle in the moist, sensitive membranes lining nasal passages. The immune system attempts to battle these “intruders” by producing antibodies, which results in reactions such as coughing, sneezing and itchy, watery eyes. People with pre-existing allergies are more vulnerable to these ailments, but even individuals with no history of allergies can become susceptible.

Lung Diseases

• Studies have shown a possible link between mold exposure and asthma in children. While to date there’s no evidence this applies to adults, mold exposure can increase the frequency and severity of attacks with individuals who already suffer from asthma.

• Aspergillosis is a range of diseases taking their name from Aspergillus, which is the specific form of mold that triggers them. Examples include Aspergilloma, a literal fungus ball that forms in lungs or sinuses, and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, where cavities form in the lungs over three or more months

Impaired Brain Function

Surprisingly, medical researchers have found evidence suggesting a connection between mold exposure and depression along with impaired cognitive abilities such as memory and impulse control.

Safeguard Your Health with Manhattan Mold Removal

Good health is an invaluable asset. Gain peace of mind when you contact Stern Mold to schedule a free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Treatment, News

What Molds Are Considered Toxic?

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Poor Air Quality Due to Mold Could Be Affecting Your Health

Poor Air Quality Due to Mold Could Be Affecting Your Health

“Toxic” is a term commonly applied to a number of diverse things ranging from chemicals to relationships. So what does the word mean when it’s used in reference to mold? Please allow our NYC mold removal experts to separate facts from fiction.

Is Toxic Mold Really Toxic?

In a word, no. Toxicity actually lies in chemicals called mycotoxins that are produced and released by mold. Different mold species may produce one or more varieties of mycotoxins, but the chemicals have no intrinsic value to mold’s reproductive process so scientists are still unclear as to their purpose.

Are “Toxic Mold” and “Black Mold” the Same?

Black mold does produce mycotoxins, but the term is a shorthand name for a specific type of mold called Stachybotrys chartarum. Aspergillus and other forms of toxic mold can appear in colors such as gray, gold and yellow- or blue-green.

Is Toxic Mold a Health Hazard?

“Toxic” is sometimes interpreted as “fatal,” and while exposure to mycotoxins almost never rises to a deadly level, it can adversely affect health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists upper-respiratory symptoms such as sneezing and coughing as possible results from mycotoxin exposure, even in people who have not previously suffered from allergies.

People with asthma, compromised immune systems and similar pre-existing conditions are particularly vulnerable to mycotoxins, as are young children and the elderly.

Stern Mold: The Top NYC Mold Removal Professionals

Toxic or not, indoor mold infestations should be treated immediately. Contact Stern Mold for more information.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Treatment, News
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