Tag Archives: Finding Mold

Top Hazards for Your Home – Mold is Number One

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The word “mold” is actually a generic catch-all term for a variety of fungi. Species of indoor mold include Aspergillus, Epicoccum and Trichoderma. No matter what the form, mold growth in your home or building can lead to a number of unpleasant and potentially serious effects.

The nature of mold

According to the definition used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, mold and other fungi are plants, although they have no roots, leaves or flowers. Mold is most commonly thought of as being black or green, but it actually appears in yellow, pink and brown as well.

Mold reproduces by spores, which are microscopic cells that are invisible to the eye as they drift throughout the air. DIY mold treatment is usually ineffective because spores remain behind to land on other surfaces.

Moisture is the common denominator required for growth of any mold species. Water leaks are an obvious risk factor, but any damp surface in humid areas such as bathrooms and basements is a candidate for mold.

Mold’s destructive effects

Active mold growth destroys its host material. This is no problem outdoors, where mold breaks down organic matter as part of the cycle of nature. Indoors, unchecked mold growth can result in structural damage.

A more serious issue is mold’s potential impact on your health. The presence of mold has been associated with allergies and upper respiratory ailments, leading the Institute of Medicine to issue a report in 2004 citing damp indoor areas as a “public health problem.”

Our unique MoldExterm mold treatment program eliminates mold growth and provides a barrier against future infestations. Contact us today to schedule a free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Tips, News

The Legal Aspects of an Untreated Mold Contamination

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You may not know this, but there are several legal aspects that may apply if your home, rental or even your place of work is contaminated with mold. Here are some of the basics, but when at work and you have symptoms of mold contamination, like respiratory problems, runny nose, itchy eyes, or you notice mold growing in your newly rented apartment or newly purchased home, there are legal steps you can take.

  • All employers must provide proper indoor air quality. If, at any time, the air quality in your workplace has been compromised due to mold infestation, you are entitled to paid medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of both wages and earning capability, among others.
  • All landlords must ensure the premises is free from mold contamination. If mold is discovered in your rental, the landlord must pay to get the mold removed and you can sue the landlord for illness and damage compensation.
  • If at any time directly after the sale of a home, you, as a buyer, finds mold contamination that was not disclosed by the seller, you can sue them for non-disclosure, any mold-born illness, damages because of mold infestation and compensation.

Although these are just the basics, if you believe you have been exposed to mold in either a business environment, your rental property or if you have purchased a new home, there are legal ways to receive damage and compensation.

For more answers about mold in your workplace, rental or home, rely on Stern Mold. NJ mold treatment at its best, we have been serving the New Jersey, New York City, and Long Island area since 1995.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Tips, News

Mold: What Every Home Owner Fears

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With the apparent prevalence of news stories about infested homes, it seems appropriate that “mold” is a four-letter word. Just the mention of it can send shivers down a homeowner’s spine. But is mold really something that should inspire such fear?

The truth is that mold is nothing new. Advice about mold treatment can even be found in the Biblical book of Leviticus. While it seems as though the problem has grown, experts say it’s simply that there’s more awareness of it today.

Nelson Barnes Jr., a mold treatment expert in the Washington, DC area, explains that mold is a plant that poses no threat as long as you don’t touch or eat it. The danger arises from inhaling the spores that begin circulating in the air, causing respiratory problems ranging from coughing and sneezing to asthma attacks.

Mold spores are present everywhere, according to Rob Hopkin of ProTec Inspection Services. Issues stem from a concentration of spores that is greater indoors than outside. From there it takes only food, water and the right temperature for mold to multiply.

Households generally have the right mix of food and temperature to promote mold growth, leaving moisture as the ingredient that is easiest to control. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a major event like a burst pipe to grow mold. All it takes is a relative humidity level above 60 percent.

Unlike traditional remediation, our proprietary MoldExterm method controls moisture and spore transmission, the two biggest factors in mold reproduction. Visit our website to learn more about why Stern Mold is the leader in quick and effective mold treatment.

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

Can You Live in a House with Mold?

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So you’ve discovered a patch of mold in your house and you’re unsure about what to do next. Do you and your family need to leave, or can you proceed as normal while dealing with the situation? The answer can depend on the effects of the mold as well as the method of mold treatment.

The nature of mold

While the presence of mold is off-putting, the substance plays an important role in the cycle of nature by decomposing dead organic materials such as wood. When mold develops indoors, it can cause damage by acting on porous materials like drywall and carpeting. Indoor mold is a sign of a leak or other water problem that must be addressed.

Health effects of mold

Mold spores are a major allergen that causes upper respiratory distress ranging from coughing and sneezing to sore, itchy eyes. Children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable. Consult your physician if you suspect that you or a family member are exhibiting symptoms related to mold exposure.

Treatment or remediation?

It may not be physically necessary to leave your home during remediation, but the disruption could cause you to seek other quarters. Remediation often involves pulling out furniture and building surfaces affected by mold, and the lengthy process can take days or even weeks.

Our proprietary MoldExterm treatment is usually completed within one day and works proactively to prevent future reoccurrence. Contact us to schedule an appointment and let our mold treatment experts handle the problem safely and effectively with little disruption to your household.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Treatment, News

How Fast Does Mold Grow? Is This Old Mold?

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Mold Growth

Mold Growth

Have you recently discovered a mold colony in your building or home? Determining the cause is an important factor in successful treatment. Failing to address the original situation will likely result in continued recurrences. Here are some of the mold identification clues experts use to determine the age of an infestation, which can indicate probable cause.

How quickly can mold grow?

Mycologists, who are biologists specializing in the study of fungi, have found that mold growth can occur over a period as short as two to three days. However, simply examining the mold itself gives no indication of the time frame. Observations of the surrounding area and surfaces provide more reliable evidence for an estimate.

Recent or single-event growth

Water is the principal ingredient required for mold growth, so any incident that creates dampness in a building or home results in prime conditions for an colony to develop. If mold turns up after a burst pipe or a roof leak, it’s generally assumed that it’s a one-time localized occurrence.

Long-standing or multi-event growth

Buildings that are more than 20 years old often have a history of leaks, flooding and other events that create an overall environment conducive to the growth of mold. They also tend to contain drywall, fiberglass insulation and other “mold-friendly” materials that make it easy for mold to spread from one area to another. Rot on wood, carpeting or other surfaces is another reliable sign of long-standing mold.

Don’t take on the task of mold identification by yourself. Contact us today to schedule a free mold inspection by our skilled professional technicians.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification, News
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