Tag Archives: Black Mold

Firefighters Are Now Fighting Black Mold in Their Own Fire Stations

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Mold Isn't Just In Old Buildings, Find Out if You're Safe Before It's Too Late.

Mold Isn’t Just In Old Buildings, Find Out if You’re Safe Before It’s Too Late.

Firefighters handle dangerous threats in the line of duty every day, but members of three stations in Oklahoma are facing one closer to home as black mold takes a toll on their health.

Black Mold: A Small but Mighty Foe

According to Northwest Rogers County Firefighter James Pippin, their three buildings date back to 1986 and poor maintenance has resulted in a major infestation of black mold. The fungus has been found throughout the stations on ceilings, baseboards and other surfaces.

Pippin explained that many of the firefighters began experiencing headaches, watery eyes, sinus congestion and other upper respiratory symptoms. They felt fine upon reporting to work, but started feeling ill as the days wore on.

After the firefighters compared notes, they had a professional come out to their stations and conduct mold inspections. While the control test performed outdoors showed 130 parts per cubic foot, the measurement indoors was a staggering 9,400 parts per cubic foot.

What’s the Solution?

As Pippin noted, that amount is just below the level when professionals recommend immediate evacuation. Armed with the test results, the fire chief called a board meeting to address the situation.

The decision was made to relocate all three stations as soon as possible. Unfortunately, Pippin says, the budget is tight and viable options are hard to find.

Contact Stern Mold for Safe and Effective NY Mold Removal

If black mold can take down firefighters, imagine the damage it could cause in your own home or building. Contact us today to schedule a free mold inspection and learn more about our eco-friendly, non-intrusive NY mold removal program.

Posted in Mold Treatment, MoldExterm, News

Damp Environments and Your Health as Detailed by the Center for Disease Control

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Damp Environments and Your Health as Detailed by the Center for Disease Control

Damp Environments and Your Health as Detailed by the Center for Disease Control

A lot of posts, blogs and articles have been written about how bad toxic black mold can be for your health, and virtually every NYC mold removal company is aware of the problems. Of course when reading these stories, you may think that they’re embellished, made up or downright exaggerated for business or marketing purposes. Well, that can’t be further from the truth.

The CDC

The most respected organization for fitness and health issues, named The Center For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC) which is a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has published a major article called the “Facts About Mold and Dampness.” In it they write about mold and your health, mold in your home, and how to control mold. They also give great mold prevention tips!

Now, even though you may not think of an article on mold as being all that interesting, this one is filled with facts, ideas and information that virtually everyone should know about, and certainly any NYC mold removal company will also know these facts and figures.

Nothing to Sneeze At

Mold in your house or home may actually cause you to sneeze, but it is nothing to sneeze at. There are many serious health issues, particularly for babies and young children, so mold, especially toxic black mold, should be kept out of your house or home. At the very least, this article from the CDC gives prevention tips that should be followed for a happy and healthy mold-free life.

For more information, or a free mold evaluation, please contact Stern Mold, the experts in mold remediation, serving New York and New Jersey.

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

Does Black Mold Smell?

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The Nose Knows.

The Nose Knows.

When it comes to mold and fungus, out of sight is not out of mind. Sometimes an infestation develops in a hidden or out-of-the-way space, and the first clue comes through your nose rather than your eyes. What causes the odor, and what steps should you take to remove it?

The Nose Knows

Mold and fungus produce several gasses known as microbial volatile organic compounds, or MVOC. Many of them are odorless, but some of these gasses emit that stale, musty odor that’s commonly associated with mold.

While the smell of mold is unpleasant on its own, it’s indicative of a more serious health threat. If you can smell mold, chances are high that you’re inhaling both MVOC and mold spores themselves. Some of these compounds are mycotoxins that can cause physical and mental ailments ranging from sinus infections to depression.

How Do You Remove Mold Odor?

Scented candles, sprays and other conventional air fresheners are only temporary solutions because they simply mask the smell. The only way to truly rid your home or office of mold odor is to remove the source.

If you smell that tell-tale musty odor, don’t rely on an over-the-counter mold test. Professionally trained technicians such as the ones at Stern Mold have the know-how to get accurate results and the experience to determine where to look for mold and fungus.

MoldExterm: A Non-Toxic, Non-Invasive Solution

Traditional mold remediation will remove the smell along with a good chunk of building materials. Contact us for a free mold inspection in NYC or northern NJ and learn why MoldExterm is the most effective way to remove and prevent mold and fungus.

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

What Color is Mold? Is It Always Black?

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Black Mold Isn't the Only Kind of Mold You Should Look for

Black Mold Isn’t the Only Kind of Mold You Should Look for

The mold family includes thousands of types and colors, but if you are only familiar with black, it’s probably because of the media attention given to it and mold remediation. Read on for the most common types of mold encountered in your home or place of business.

Green

Green is generally thought to be a variety of fungus, though there are thousands of species of green mold in the world.

Brown/Gray/Olive Green

Molds in this color family are common Cladosporium. You will find it on plant leaves outside and inside a house or building. It can grow on walls and carpet that is damp.

Blue/White/Green

Belonging to the Penicillium genus, these molds were once used to create the antibiotic penicillin. It grows on food and walls and is one of the most common molds that bother people with allergies.

Yellow/Green/Black

The Aspergillus molds family includes yellow, black and green molds are commonly inhaled every day. People with compromised immune systems and weak lungs can develop aspergillosis, a condition that includes coughing and sinus issues, as well as more serious health problems.

Black/Gray

The black or gray mold Alternaria, primarily an outdoor mold, has been found in a high percentage of indoor dust samples and has been linked asthma.

Pink

If you find mold of a pinkish color in your home, it’s most likely a bacteria form, not a mold in the true sense. It can develop on soap or shampoo containers or on shower walls.

Do you need professional mold remediation in your home or business? Our eco-friendly two-step process usually is completed in one day. Contact us today to schedule a free mold inspection.

 

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, Mold Remediation, News

What Are the Most Common Types of Mold?

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There are more than 100,000 species of mold.

Just as the word “flower” encompasses thousands of different types of plants, there are more than 100,000 species that fit under the term “mold.” Here’s a look at the distinguishing characteristics found in some of the more common types of mold.

• Stachybotrys atra is the species that has come to be referred to as “black mold” due to its dark greenish-black color. While the mold itself is not toxic, it does produce mycotoxins that can cause a variety of health problems depending on a person’s sensitivity and length of exposure. Hidden black mold can sometimes be detected by its distinctive musty odor.

• Aspergillus is found both indoors and outdoors, so you inhale these spores every day, usually with no ill effects. This species, however, is a powerful allergic irritant, so individuals with allergies are susceptible to upper respiratory symptoms such as coughing and sinus congestion. People with lung conditions or weakened immune systems are vulnerable to a disease called aspergillosis.

• Cladosporium has a black pepper-like appearance and is often found in toilet tanks or on window sills. This variety of mold does not produce mycotoxins, but like aspergillus it can trigger upper respiratory distress in some people.

• Orange- or red-colored mold is usually found outdoors, where it serves to break down dead trees and other organic materials. Mold that appears white is generally in an early stage of development.

Rely on Stern Mold for Cost-Effective, Non-Intrusive Mold Remediation

Regardless of the species, our proprietary MoldExterm process removes mold more thoroughly and safely than traditional mold remediation. Contact Stern Mold today to schedule a free mold inspection for your NYC or northern NJ home.

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