Tag Archives: Commercial Mold Treatment

Mold 101: OSHA Gives Guidance on Mold in the Workplace

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Know the Facts About Mold.

Mold At The Work Place

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act) requires that all employers provide “safe and healthful working conditions” for all employees. While people often interpret the regulation in terms of physical risks, a workplace should also include clean air without excess levels of mold.

OSHA, the governing body established to enforce the OSH Act, offers tips about detecting and preventing mold exposure in the workplace.

Where Is Mold Found?

Mold spores are present everywhere, but they usually don’t cause problems at normal levels outdoors. Problems arise when the spores land on a damp spot indoors where they can multiply.

Common breeding grounds for mold in the workplace include:

  • Leaky or sweaty pipes
  • Poorly-maintained drain pans
  • Damp foundations
  • Poorly vented kitchens, showers or any area where steam is present

Building-Related Illnesses (BRIs)

A building-related illness is one that includes symptoms objectively found to be linked to specific elements inside the building. Mold-related BRIs are often allergic conditions such as rhinitis, asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Reducing Risk of Mold BRIs

  • Conduct regular inspections for water leaks, damaged door and window seals, and visible mold.
  • Make sure all damp areas and equipment are cleaned and dried as soon as possible.
  • Wherever possible, vent all moisture-generating appliances and equipment to the outside.

Effective Manhattan Mold Remediation for Buildings and Workplaces

Workers compensation claims are some of the biggest expenses for any business. Our two-step MoldExterm Manhattan mold remediation program makes your workplace safer by removing existing mold and preventing future infestations. Contact us today to schedule a free mold inspection by one of our friendly and professional technicians.

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

EPA Releases Homeowner’s Guide to Mold

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The EPA Knows Mold!

The EPA Knows Mold!

Mold. No one likes it and no one wants to have it in their home or business. It not only damages drywall and other materials, mold also poses a health hazard resulting in upper respiratory inflammation that can lead to chronic symptoms.

There are over 100,000 species of mold and 200,000 species of fungus. Each has its own properties and reactions to the environment and the weather. Regardless of which species is affecting your property, the MoldExterm System, available from Stern Mold, can remove the problem with an affordable treatment – usually in one day.

MoldExterm is a bio remedial treatment process that goes beyond traditional remediation treatments that require removing the affected materials. The MoldExterm treatment process has two parts. First, the infested area is treated with a solution that kills fungi, viruses, and bacteria leaving the area disinfected.

The second part of the mold treatment eliminates mold from reoccurring via a polymer sealer applied to the affected surfaces, which serves as a barrier to prevent an area from becoming infested again in the future.

With MoldExterm, unlike regular remediation, there’s no need to tear out original building materials to remove the mold-infested areas. This can result in significant savings to property owners especially those with large areas containing moldy material.

Along with the mold treatment process from Stern Mold, a professional-grade dehumidifier is also installed to help control moisture within the property.

The patent-pending MoldExterm treatment process comes with a warranty that guarantees mold-free results and customer satisfaction.

When mold makes an appearance, it’s time to call in the mold specialists at Stern Mold. Contact us to schedule a free inspection and price quote.

Posted in Mold Identification, MoldExterm, News

Did You Know that NY Protects Mold Treatment and Mold Inspection Consumers?

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NYC Protects

NYC Protects

Mold treatment is a hot topic, and any mold infestation is serious business. But New York is leading the way when it comes to mold treatment requirements for contractors. Here is the lowdown on what New York is doing for you.

Training, Licensing and Work Standards

The big three when it comes to mold remediation are training, licensing and work standards.

In New York, contractors are required to obtain appropriate training before becoming licensed. So you, as a consumer, can be assured that the company that you choose will employ skilled professionals to combat a mold problem.

With licensing comes the privilege of advertising the business, and that means any company that advertises must have skilled and professional technicians that have been licensed and certified.

The work standards criteria means that you are protected from fraud, such as all disinfectant products must be identified as accepted by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards, that employees use personal protection equipment as needed, that they must post notice of the project and all licenses, and that there will be a post-remediation assessment when the job has been completed.

New York is On Your Side

Mold can certainly be a serious problem, and the State of New York has set up guidelines for contractors to make sure that consumers get quality mold remediation from the contractor that they choose.

If you have any questions about mold remediation and the laws that govern mold removal, please contact Stern Mold. Serving all of the NY and NJ areas, we use the latest technology in mold removal and offer free inspections for your peace of mind.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Remediation, News

The Dilemma of Mold in Public Housing in NYC

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Mold In Public Housing

Mold In Public Housing

Mold can cause mild to severe health issues, especially for children and adults with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Prompt removal is important, but it doesn’t always happen. In some cases, tenants have had to turn to the law for help.

Tenants in Manhattan have been waiting to have black mold in public housing removed for more than a year. This mold problem has caused ongoing health issues for some of the tenants, including several children.

Recently, these tenants have asked for help from a judge, claiming that New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) is in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. In Dec. 2013, NYCHA vowed to get rid of the mold in these buildings, but the organization has not taken any steps toward that.

Tenants who have had to continue dealing with health problems due to mold are hoping that the judge will be able to force NYCHA to comply. They’re also asking to have someone officially oversee NYCHA’s day-to-day progress on having the mold removed.

This case is an important reminder of how important it is to have mold treatment done sooner rather than later. The mold in these Manhattan buildings has been able to spread and cause ongoing health problems because it wasn’t dealt with early enough. Whether you’re concerned about mold in public housing, a commercial building or a residential property, finding a dependable mold treatment company to get rid of it as soon as possible is crucial to avoid putting tenants or occupants at risk.

If you have a mold problem in your building, contact Stern Mold for safe, reliable treatment.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Treatment, News

NJ Mold Tips: How to Tell Employees About Your Mold Problem

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A single syllable, the word “mold” is feared by employers and building owners across the U.S. Unfortunately, you’ve discovered some on your premises. But with lawsuits concerning “sick building syndrome” commonplace, what’s the safest and best way to discuss this issue with employees?

What is the best way to prepare your employees for NYC mold treatment?

  • Take responsibility.
    Admitting to the presence of mold can be tough, but it’s your duty to ensure a fit workplace, including proper indoor air quality. This means you have a legal responsibility to remove all signs of mold contamination with NYC mold treatment. See the EPA’s extensive remediation pamphlet for commercial structures, “Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings” for guidance. OSHA also has information to assist you, including free and confidential on-site consultation services, which are penalty and citation-free, to help you correct hazards.
  • Quell fears.
    Mold issues are likely to cause concern and anxiety amongst workers. Arm them with knowledge and be openly available to discuss the situation to prevent speculation and panic. Mold is present in all buildings in some form or quantity. Only certain species of mold produce “mycotoxins” in concentrations large enough to effect health.
  • Post or provide information.
    Including professional assessment and written treatment details. Explain to employees the steps you’re taking to ensure their protection, including cleaning or if relocation will be necessary.
  • Address the problem.
    Let your immediate action do the talking. It’s your job to protect the health of your employees, and your prompt attention shows you’re taking it seriously.

Want to know more about NJ & NYC mold treatment options for your business? Contact Stern today.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Tips, News
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