Tag Archives: Black Mold

Is All Black Colored Mold Dangerous?

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With all the attention given to the problem of black mold in homes and buildings, people have come to assume that all such growths are toxic. In reality, there are types of dark-colored mold referred to as “cosmetic” that present little danger to your home or your health.

But if you discover black mold, how can you tell which type it is? Here is some helpful information about identifying and treating cosmetic mold.

What causes cosmetic mold?

Framing lumber used in building construction sometimes comes with a harmless form of black mold. These “bluestain” fungi develop mainly on sapwood, which is the main part of a tree used for building lumber.

Recognizing the signs

Indoor mold growth is usually uninterrupted, spreading out to neighboring surfaces. An interrupted patch of mold that appears to have stopped along a random straight line is the most common evidence of cosmetic mold. For instance, you may see mold that stops at the cut end of a rafter, or side-by-side beams where only one has growth.

Steps to take when discovering cosmetic mold

If black mold is found on dry wood in configurations as described above with no signs of active growth, no action is needed. However, the presence of cosmetic mold can support the growth of other, more troublesome varieties. Inspect and monitor areas of cosmetic mold for the appearance of active colonies or major risk factors such as dampness.

Why take a chance attempting to identify mold on your own? Get peace of mind with a free mold inspection by our experienced technicians at Stern Mold. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Tips, Mold Treatment, News

Keeping Safe If You Think You Have Mold

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In 2012, Superstorm Sandy became the second-costliest hurricane in U.S. history, affecting New Jersey and 23 other states. Lingering effects include persistent mold infestations resulting from chronic dampness in flooded homes. It’s estimated that it will take a minimum of seven years to fully restore affected areas.

Claire Galiano, a health and safety trainer for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), has been traveling Eastern states leading seminars educating residents about mold treatment. Here are some of her tips for safely dealing with an infestation in your home.

  • There are several brands of paint and other items on the market aimed at preventing mold. Be sure to learn about any product you may use as some of them can be toxic.
  • Black mold is the most well-known of the 16 toxic species, but testing is needed to determine whether a patch of black mold is the toxic variety.
  • When cleaning out a moldy area, use a respirator, goggles and ear plugs to prevent mold spores from entering your body. Afterwards, immediately place protective gear into a plastic bag to keep the spores from dispersing to begin a new colony.
  • Mold spores can become trapped in porous surfaces like wood paneling or furniture upholstering. Galliano recommends, “If in doubt, throw it out.”
  • A mixture of powder Cascade, Borax soap and water makes a safe cleaning solution. Dispose of brushes, clothes and any other materials immediately after use.

If your New Jersey home requires mold treatment, let our trained technicians handle it with our innovative MoldExterm system. Visit our website to learn why MoldExterm is a safe, effective and cost-efficient alternative to traditional remediation.

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

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

Black Mold Do It Yourself? Are You Really Ready to Undertake It?

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You’ve just discovered a patch of fungi that looks suspiciously like black mold in your home or business. Its ability to multiply rapidly means you have to take immediate action to avoid health dangers such as upper respiratory illnesses.

If the infestation is on a non-porous surface, you might attempt a course of do-it-yourself mold treatment. Here are some tips to make removal more effective.

Safety First

Mask off the affected area with plastic sheeting to prevent spores from dispersing further into the home or building. Protect yourself by wearing a dust mask, gloves and goggles.

Bleach Method

Fill one spray bottle with a mixture of eight ounces of bleach to one gallon of water and another with clear, warm water. Saturate the mold patch with the bleach solution, using paper towels or rags to scrub the area. Change scrubbing cloths frequently and dispose of them immediately in a plastic garbage bag. Rinse the area well with the clear water.

Natural Mold Removal Solutions

  • Tea tree oil or grapefruit seed extract can be mixed with water and applied to the mold without rinsing.
  • Spray undiluted vinegar onto the infestation, allowing it to set without rinsing.
  • Scrub the area with a mixture of baking soda and water. This method is a good follow-up to the vinegar treatment.

Post-Treatment Cleanup

Vacuum the affected area and dispose of the filters in a garbage bag with any soiled cloths. Wash your clothes immediately.

In most cases, it’s best not to take any chances with mold. Let our trained technicians provide effective mold treatment and cleanup with a minimum of inconvenience to you and your family or employees.

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