Untreated Workplace Mold? What to Know to Prevent a Lawsuit!

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Mold in the Workplace Can Affect Workers' Health

Mold in the Workplace Can Affect Workers’ Health

As an employer or landlord, you have a responsibility to maintain safe conditions for employees and tenants. Mold and mold-related illnesses have become the focus of an increasing number of lawsuits, making Manhattan mold removal imperative. What can you do to protect employees and tenants while reducing liability?

Preventing Mold in Commercial Buildings

Mold spores surround us constantly, both indoors and out. Problems arise with extended exposure to large concentrations of indoor mold growth.

• Stay vigilant for signs of mold. Infestations may not always be visible, so your first clue may be a persistent musty smell. You should also investigate if people begin complaining about chronic symptoms such as sneezing, coughing and fatigue.

• Removing visible mold isn’t enough. Identify and resolve the cause, whether it’s leaky pipes, poor construction or excess humidity.

• Keep employees or tenants informed about steps you’re taking to remediate mold. Failure to disclose can cause reduction in morale and productivity while reflecting negatively on you in any possible legal action.

• Mold isn’t always covered by insurance. Check your policy, and if mold isn’t included, ask about purchasing additional coverage.

• If you’re doing any construction or renovations, review contracts to ensure contractors and subcontractors are liable for any defects that may cause mold.

Safe and Effective Manhattan Mold Removal

Stern Mold provides eco-friendly, non-intrusive removal of infestations while treating the conditions that cause mold growth. Contact us to schedule a free mold inspection by our professional Manhattan mold removal team.

Posted in Mold Information, Mold Law, News

How Do You Reduce Mold Spores in the Air?

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Are Mold Spores in the Air of Your Home?

Are Mold Spores in the Air of Your Home?

Microscopic mold spores are constantly floating in the air, making mold infestations an ever-present threat. Our NYC mold removal experts offer helpful tips on reducing mold spores as well as excess moisture enabling their growth.

Tips to Reduce Mold Spores and Excess Moisture

• Mold colonies generate mold spores. Use a mold removal product to eliminate visual signs of infestation. If the affected area is more than a small patch, contact our NYC mold removal team for effective elimination.

• Install air purifiers with HEPA filters capable of capturing more than 99 percent of particles. Place one in each room of your home for maximum results.

• Add HEPA filters to air conditioners and windows to keep external mold spores from entering your home.

• Basements, kitchens and bathrooms are the areas most vulnerable to mold. Keep these rooms as dry as possible, making sure they’re well-ventilated. Check regularly for broken or leaky pipes and repair them immediately.

• Leaves and other debris accumulating in gutters can lead to mold being carried into your home. Clean and inspect gutters often, especially after rainstorms.

• Use dehumidifiers to reduce moisture content in the air. Set the dehumidifiers at 50 percent or lower.

• Place wet clothing and shoes outdoors to dry. Leave them in an area with good circulation and check for mold before bringing the items back indoors.

Two-Step NYC Mold Removal from Stern Mold

Our MoldExterm program efficiently removes mold and seals surfaces to prevent future growth. Contact us to schedule a free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold Remediation, MoldExterm, News

Tips for Stopping Winter Home Interior Mold Growth

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You Cannot Control Mold Growth With Temperature

You Cannot Control Mold Growth With Temperature

Many plants and other organisms go dormant in the winter, but our Manhattan mold removal team doesn’t get any breaks. Keep mold from infesting your home during cold weather months with these helpful tips.

Tips for Preventing Interior Mold Growth During Winter

• When warm air comes into contact with cold surfaces, it results in condensation, which creates moisture for mold spores to grow. Use fans and vents to keep air circulating throughout the home. A dehumidifier also reduces the amount of moisture in the air.

• Regularly inspect your home for leaks and broken pipes. Pay special attention to hidden areas under sinks and in the basement. Repair any damages immediately.

• Organic materials such as paper and fabric feed mold growth. Be careful to store these items in well-ventilated areas away from walls and windows.

• Carpeting is another common place for mold infestations. If possible, install laminate flooring around entryways to prevent tracking water indoors. Vacuum carpets frequently, keeping an eye out for signs of mold.

• Bathrooms are particularly vulnerable to mold. Keep surfaces clean to limit opportunities for mold to develop.

• If you do discover mold, removing it isn’t enough. You need to treat the conditions that allowed mold to develop in the first place, so it doesn’t return.

Year-Round Manhattan Mold Removal Services from Stern Mold

Our two-step MoldExterm program effectively removes mold and prevents future recurrences. Contact us to schedule a free inspection and consultation from our professionally trained Manhattan mold removal experts.

Posted in Mold Information, Mold Treatment, News

Does Interior Mold Grow in the Winter?

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Moisture Breeds Mold. Ensure You Are Keeping Your Humidity Under Control!

Moisture Breeds Mold. Ensure You Are Keeping Your Humidity Under Control!

Do you think you can let your guard down on interior mold during winter, when doors and windows remain closed? Here’s why NYC mold removal should still be a concern even when temperatures drop.

Winter = Moisture

Water is an essential ingredient for the growth and survival of mold. Winter rain and snow create an abundant source of moisture, and since warm indoor air can’t escape, condensation develops on windows and other surfaces.

Other winter activities help set the stage for interior mold:

• Meals tend to include dishes requiring more cooking such as soups and stews. As steam collects from stoves, ovens and dishwashers, kitchens become a danger zone for mold.

• Bathrooms are a traditional site for mold, and hot showers and baths during winter months boost the moisture content.

Tips to Prevent Winter Mold

• Make sure chronic problem areas such as kitchens and bathrooms have adequate ventilation.

• Immediately shut off water flow to broken or leaky pipes and repair as soon as possible.

• Reduce humidity by heating the building, then open doors and windows temporarily, allowing damp air to escape.

• Add insulation in the attic to keep warm air from rising to meet the cold roof, resulting in condensation.

• Have the roof inspected for damages.

Stern Mold: Your Year-Round Solution for NYC Mold Removal

Our proprietary MoldExterm system is an effective NYC mold removal program for any season. Contact us and get peace of mind from a mold inspection by our cheerful and experienced technicians.

Posted in Mold Information, Mold Treatment, News

Got Toxic Mold? Do You Have Enough for a Lawsuit?

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Got Toxic Mold? Do You Have Enough for a Lawsuit?

Got Toxic Mold? Do You Have Enough for a Lawsuit?

Toxic mold lawsuits have been filed against builders and contractors, employers, government agencies and even automakers. Does your toxic mold problem rise to the level of legal action? Our New Jersey mold removal experts share important information about toxic mold litigation.

Making a Case

• Toxic mold litigation is a specialized field. Your first step should be consulting an attorney who is qualified in this area.

• Establishing the presence of toxic mold isn’t enough. There has to be evidence regarding the type of mold, location and cause of the infestation and whether or not spores were able to become airborne.

• Document every event and communication involving the mold problem, including conversations with a landlord and interaction with cleaning services.

Responsibility of Landlords

Landlord liability often hinges on the issue of notice.

• Constructive notice occurs when a “reasonable person” is in possession of facts that would lead to certain knowledge.

• Actual notice is when a landlord has direct knowledge of a situation through a tenant, repair person or their own investigation.

Damages

• Property damage can include cost of remediation, loss of personal property and reduction in real estate value, while personal damage arises from physical ailments such as bronchitis, memory loss or immune system disorders.

• Emotional distress, which involves the psychological effects of toxic mold exposure, is more difficult to determine.

Stern Mold: Your New Jersey Mold Removal Experts

Rely on the professional expertise of our trained technicians. Contact Stern Mold to schedule a free mold inspection of your home or business.

Posted in Mold Law, Mold Treatment, News, NYC Mold Removal
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