Tag Archives: Finding Mold

Mold 101: What Are Toxic Black Mold Spores?

Posted on by

The ideal way to think of toxic black mold spores is to think of mushroom spores. Just like mushroom spores, black mold spores are released into the air as the fruiting body grows and dries out.

If kept constantly wet, black mold will remain locked up within the colony. However, if allowed to dry or if disturbed by rubbing it or through ineffectual cleaning, the toxic spores will take to the air and attempt to colonize other moist areas.

Black Mold Mycotoxins

The allergenic aspect is in the mycotoxins that they can carry. That’s why mold treatment becomes so important. Granted, not every type of black mold is mycotoxic, and there are many factors, like where they grow and the level of humidity, among other things, that determine whether the black mold will be an allergen or whether it will be benign.

The problem is that there is no way to tell whether the black mold you see carries mycotoxins. Unfortunately, the only way to tell if you have been exposed to toxic black mold, is if you begin to experience symptoms. Some of the most common ones are an allergic reaction, vision and other eye problems, dizziness, and anxiety.

Your Best Course of Action

The best course of action, if you have noticed a black mold infestation, is to not take any chances and rely on the professionals at Stern Mold for mold treatment. We are part of the Stern Environmental Group, and will answer all of your questions or schedule a free mold inspection for your residence. We have been serving the New Jersey, New York City, and Long Island area since 1995.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, News

Mold 101: What Does Mold Smell Like?

Posted on by

Does your home have an unpleasant odor, but you can’t seem to pinpoint the source? It could be that your sense of smell is sending notice that your house needs mold treatment.

Is Mold Causing That Strange Odor?

You may think you’re alert to the presence of mold, but it doesn’t always cooperate by growing in a visible area. The smell is a tip-off that mold may be forming in an out-of-the-way place.

Mold emits gases called microbial volatile organic compounds, or MVOC. While many are odorless, some have the distinctive musty odor that’s identified with mold.

The Dangers of Mold

While the smell is highly unpleasant, it’s really the least of the problems presented by interior mold growth. In addition to the gases produced by mold, you are inhaling other potentially toxic emissions as well as mold spores.

These invisible, airborne particles can cause chronic upper respiratory problems such as sinus infections, sore throats and watery, itchy eyes. Some people experience depression, digestive difficulties, fatigue and other more serious health issues.

Treat the Cause, Not the Symptom

It will take more than air fresheners and scented candles to remove the smell. All they do is mask the odor. The underlying problem needs to be addressed with effective mold treatment.

Don’t wait until you see mold on your walls, fixtures or furniture. If you suspect an infestation, contact the professionals at Stern Mold for a free inspection. We have been serving the New Jersey, New York City and Long Island areas for more than 20 years.

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

Could Mold be Causing Your Depression?

Posted on by
Depression Linked to Mold

Depression Linked to Mold

Indoor mold infestations have long been linked to allergies and upper respiratory ailments such as wheezing, runny nose and chronic sinus infections. As if that wasn’t enough, researchers have discovered another reason to seek effective mold treatment. Their studies show a strong connection between mold and depression.

Studying the correlation between mold and depression

Ironically, Brown University epidemiologist Edmond Shenassa and his team originally set out to debunk reports from the United Kingdom indicating the likelihood of a link. What they found, according to Shenassa, was “a solid association” between depression and the presence of mold.

The basis of the study was a statistical analysis of data from a survey conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO). Interviewers questioned nearly 6,000 adults across eight European cities on a variety of topics regarding housing and health, including symptoms of depression. During the visit, interviewers also made a visual check for signs of mold.

Physical and mental effects of mold

Shenassa is quick to point out that the study is not conclusive proof, but demonstrates a strong enough connection that he and his team are conducting follow-up research. He adds that depression appears to be driven by mold-related physical problems along with a perceived lack of control over living conditions.

Don’t put yourself and your family at risk for the negative health effects of mold. Our non-toxic MoldExterm system provides safe and effective mold treatment with little or no disruption of your daily activities. Visit our website to learn more about why Stern Mold is the answer to your mold problems.

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

Flooded? Tips on Staying Safe When Returning Home to Check for Mold

Posted on by

Flooding is the most common natural disaster throughout the world. According to the National Weather Service, flash floods and river floods caused more than $2.5 billion in property damages across the U.S. in 2014. Thirty-eight people were killed and numerous families were displaced from their homes temporarily.

When people did return to their residences, they found insects, rodents, and nasty mud inside. Water contains contaminants that encourage mold and fungus growth. The risk of mold inside your home is increased after a flood. Here are some tips from the Red Cross for staying safe when you return home after a flood.

Basic safety procedures

Be sure officials have declared the area safe. It is best to leave children and pets with someone else when you make your initial visit. You should bring proper ID to verify your address. The utilities may be down. Bring some bottled water, non-perishable food, and hand cleaning gel.

Document damages

Inspect the exterior of your home. Look for damage to power lines. If there is significant roof damage or cracks in the walls or foundation, it may not be safe to enter the building. If you smell natural gas, contact the fire department and leave the area immediately.

Have a camera to document everything. As you enter, open doors and windows to allow the house to air out. Snakes and other animals may be inside your home. Use a stick to poke through any piles of debris.

Clean up

Food items will begin to spoil quickly. Remove unsafe food any damp upholstered furniture. Call the experts at Stern Mold for a free inspection and treatment of mold and fungus.

 

 

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

Gleason Family Loses Home and Health Due to Mold

Posted on by

What are the top priorities for most people? The health of their loved ones and keeping a roof over their heads. Dave Gleason saw both of those things come under attack by an aggressive and toxic mold. Complete destruction of the house Mr. Gleason built for his family at 535 Gleason Drive in Moosic is the only option for the structure. He and his family are struggling to recover physically and financially. What compounds this already devastating situation further is that Mr. Gleason’s homeowners insurance does not cover toxic mold treatment.

Mr. Gleason said, “We’ve lost everything. We’re basically starting over. And since we’ve been researching it, we’ve found we’re not alone.”

Physical effects are difficult to diagnose

Dave Gleason experienced flu-like symptoms, chronic fatigue, asthma, kidney problems, and short-term memory loss. Leslie Gleason, his wife, frequently has a bloody nose and skin rashes. The same problems as his oldest daughter Laura. His youngest daughter Lacie has difficulty concentrating and ongoing flu-like symptoms. His son Derek struggles with the same respiratory problems as Mr. Gleason.

While most molds and the accompanying spores do not cause health problems for otherwise healthy people, any mold exposure is problematic for people suffering from allergies, asthma, or a weakened immune system. Mold like that found in the Gleason home causes serious health problems including neurological damage and a complete loss of short-term memory.

Don’t take chances with your family’s health and risk losing the home you have worked so hard to provide. Call the experts at Stern Mold for more information about the cost-effective MoldExterm process of mold treatment before it spreads to more areas of your home.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Treatment, News
« Older Entries Recent Entries »