Category Archives: MoldExterm

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

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

Judge Steps in to Force Mold Repairs in NY Public Housing

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When federal Judge William H. Pauley found out New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) officials were not giving proper attention to mold treatment in public housing, he appointed a monitor to oversee the work and ensure the root cause of the mold is addressed. Judge Pauley said officials were jeopardizing the health and public welfare of NYCHA residents.

Mold is a widespread problem

Over 300 housing projects are known to have mold issues, many due to damage from Hurricane Sandy. Residents complained about the shoddy workmanship being done. They said workers were just scraping off visible mold and painting over the affected area. Judge Pauley’s decree should ensure the housing units receive proper mold treatment going forward.

NYCHA sued over mold

The National Center for Law and Economic Justice along with environment group The Natural Resources Defense Council filed a class-action suit against the city back in 2013.

Many occupants of NYCHA were experiencing health issues like asthma due to breathing mold spores. The Housing Authority quickly settled the suit and said it would complete needed repairs within 15 days of any work order.

Judge Pauley issued his ruling because officials were extending repair timelines and not providing proper mold treatment. Mold also came back in about 41 percent of the areas treated by the Housing Authority because workers were not eliminating the moisture source that was feeding mold colonies.

Landlords must take mold seriously

Mold can lead to serious health problems for some people. To protect your tenants’ health and yourself from lawsuits, choose Stern Mold for your mold treatment. We use the cost-effective MoldExterm method for thorough treatment with minimal downtime for you.

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

Not All Mold is Bad Mold

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Mold is a scary word for home owners; for good reason. It causes eye irritation, difficulty breathing, and skin irritation for many people. The CDC reports that exposure to mold spores can cause respiratory illness for otherwise healthy children. Mold can be extremely hazardous for individuals with a compromised immune system, seniors and infants. Proper mold treatment mitigates these risks by eliminating the mold and creating an environment that is not conducive to future mold growth. In addition to this dangerous and problematic mold, there are some molds that are helpful to mankind.

The good molds?

Let’s be clear about one thing: Any mold growing on the interior walls of your home is bad mold. Analysis by a knowledgeable professional can determine if it is a toxic mold, and thorough mold treatment is needed to protect your family. But, mold is used in positive ways in controlled environments. Penicillin comes from the Penicillium fungi and is used to treat many infections. Mold has been used in wine making to improve texture. And cheese-makers use specially cultured molds to produce many high-quality cheeses.

Rather than say there are some good molds and some bad molds, it is more accurate to say that some molds are utilized in controlled environments for useful purposes. The mold that occurs due to moisture problems never has a positive use.

You should call the experts at Stern Mold for thorough mold eradication and to ensure it does not come back. We have been serving the mold treatment needs of New York City, New Jersey, and Long Island for more than twenty years. Call us today for a free mold inspection.

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

Presence of Mold Can Drop Your Real Estate Value

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Having a mold problem in your home taken care of as soon as possible is important for health and safety reasons, but don’t overlook the financial consequences as well. Black mold can reduce your home’s value, making it much harder for you to sell and increasing the risk of having to settle for a lower price.

The owners of the Coe mansion in Meriden, CT found this out the hard way while trying to sell the property. The mansion, which dates back to 1875, has dropped in price from $899,000 to $595,000, but the owners are expecting to get even less for it when they do find a buyer. Black mold has been found inside the property, creating a health risk, and the home has been vandalized a number of times. The Coe mansion has been vacant for several years and has not been well-maintained, which explains the presence of mold and other problems. Despite having 8,600 square feet of space on 1.4 acres, the mansion will require extensive work, including mold removal.

The drastic drop in price for the Coe mansion is an important lesson for homeowners to keep in mind. If you’ll be putting your home on the market soon, hiring NJ mold treatment services sooner rather than later is essential. Otherwise, your home could end up on the market for a lot longer than you expected.

If you think you have a mold problem, contact Stern Mold. Our NJ mold treatment experts can safely get rid of these harmful growths in order to keep your home environment a healthy one for you and your family.

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