Tag Archives: Health Concerns from Mold

What Are the Impacts of Mold Spore Exposure on Children?

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You Can Effectively Control Mold

You Can Effectively Control Mold and Their Spores

“Fungal growth,” “mildew,” “spores” – no matter what word we select to describe this invasive species more widely known as mold, one vital fact remains: Mold spores are a constant threat to a higher quality of life. Over 1.5 million mold types are known to exist.

What happens when the most vulnerable members of society, our children, come in contact with one of the more harmful types of mold spores? Stern Mold’s Manhattan mold removal team use their expertise to diagnose if your home needs mold remediation, so your children don’t suffer the health impacts from exposure.

Is it Worth Another Look?

You as a fully-grown adult may not be as sensitive to mold exposure as a child because their vital organs are still developing. Look for mold exposure signs in your child to determine if mold may be affecting his/her health. Here are some of the many respiratory afflictions that plague children exposed to mold:

• Flu-like symptoms

• Fatigue

• Congestion

• Perpetual itchy/runny nose

• Sneezes/Coughing

• Asthmatic-type attacks (wheezing, shortness of breath)

Chronic health issues in your household point to a significant mold problem. Check below to see if your child has been dealing with any of these life-altering symptoms:

• Disorientation/dizziness

• Depression/anxiety

• Irregular heartbeat

• Migraines/headaches

• Muscle pain

• Trembling/shakes

• Vomiting

These symptoms could indicate that toxic black mold is in the air. Black mold exposure can lead to brain bleeds, organ damage and more. Contact our Manhattan Mold Removal team today if you or your child is suffering from similar symptoms.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information, News

OSHA Guidelines on Mold in the Workplace

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OSHA Guidelines on Mold in the Workplace

OSHA Guidelines on Mold in the Workplace

Residential mold problems often make the news headlines, but the stories don’t end there. Mold removal in New Jersey is equally important in office buildings, restaurants and other workplaces. While there are currently no federal regulations in place, OSHA offers helpful guidelines for dealing with workplace mold.

When Does Mold Become a Problem?

Mold spores are constantly present in the air, both indoors and outdoors. They generally have no effect unless they begin to colonize on an interior surface. If left untreated, mold can eventually cause serious health and structural issues.

What Causes Mold to Grow?

Water is the lifeblood of mold. Growth occurs in areas with excessive moisture, where a mold spore is more likely to come into contact with dampness. Risky workplace conditions include leaky pipes or roofs, and malfunctioning HVAC systems.

How Does Mold Impact Health?

Mold produces allergens that can trigger a number of upper respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, watery eyes and scratchy throat. While people who suffer from allergies are most susceptible, those without allergies can still develop symptoms after prolonged exposure.

How Can Mold Be Prevented?

– Clean up water spills, leaks and floods immediately and repair any corresponding damage.

– Make sure that kitchens, bathrooms and moisture-generating appliances are properly vented according to code.

– Have HVAC systems inspected and maintained regularly.

– Schedule a professional mold assessment to identify risk factors and confirm the presence of mold.

Safe and Effective Mold Removal in New Jersey

Our proprietary MoldExterm program offers eco-friendly mold remediation and prevention with minimal disruption to your workplace. Contact Stern Mold to schedule a free mold inspection by one of our experienced technicians.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Law, Mold Treatment, News, NJ Mold Removal, NYC Mold Removal

CDC States Mold Is a Cause of Occupational Respiratory Disease

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Don't Let Mold Cost Your Business More Than it Should.

Don’t Let Mold Cost Your Business More Than it Should.

If your workplace shows signs of persistent dampness, such as condensation on walls, dripping pipes, or rooms that always feel humid or clammy, you should get an inspection from an NYC mold removal expert.

In any kind of office or workplace, mold and dampness can go unnoticed for an extended period of time. Occupational respiratory disease can affect janitors, office workers, school teachers, and anybody else spending time in the building.

The CDC classifies mold as a known cause of occupational respiratory diseases, including:

– Asthma aggravation

– Bronchitis

– Pneumonitis

– Aspergillosis

– And other respiratory infections

Mold and Dampness Issues

As an NYC mold removal company, we field lots of calls from building managers after a flood or burst pipe has caused obvious water damage. However, all it takes is dampness to provide enough moisture for mold to grow.

The CDC advises to be aware of dampness sources such as faulty air conditioner drains, wet wall insulation, or drainage issues that cause a damp basement.

Mold only needs water and food to live (sunlight is not necessary). The mold life cycle even allows it to sit dormant for years. In other words, even occasional dampness can activate spores to create recurring mold infestations.

NYC Mold Removal to Protect Worker Health

No business wants to lose good workers due to mold illnesses, nor incur the costs of a compensation claim. Be on the lookout in damp buildings or offices where multiple employees frequently seem to cough, wheeze, or get a runny nose.

Contact Stern Mold to get a free inspection and quote for NYC mold removal to prevent occupational respiratory disease and enjoy an affordable, minimally invasive treatment process.

Posted in Mold Information

Mold 101: Could Mold Cause Pneumonia or Similar Symptoms?

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Could Mold Cause Pneumonia or Similar Symptoms?

Could Mold Cause Pneumonia or Similar Symptoms??

Mold inside your home or business can cause occupants to suffer the same symptoms as the flu and other respiratory allergies. If you are experiencing a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes or a sore throat, you may dismiss these symptoms as seasonal allergies or perhaps the annual flu season. However, it could be a mold allergy.

The Mayo Clinic says that when anyone with a sensitive immune system inhales mold spores, their body releases histamine. This can cause coughing, sneezing, sore chest, and other flu-like symptoms. Mold allergy symptoms can be different for each person and possibly lead to serious illness. If you or anyone you know is experiencing what could be mold allergy symptoms or possibly pneumonia, see a doctor right away. Your doctor will use your medical history, a physical exam, and chest X-ray to diagnose your condition and prescribe treatment.

Diagnosing any type of allergy can be a complex process. It involves allergy testing and identifying the source of the problem. Since the symptoms of mold allergies and other respiratory problems are so similar, doctors may not suspect your building is the source of your health problem initially. If you suspect your building has mold, call one of the top Manhattan mold removal companies for a free inspection. MoldExterm is a quick, cost-effective alternative to traditional mold remediation that does not involve tearing out walls disrupting your business.

If you own a business in New York, New Jersey, or Long Island, don’t take any chances with the health of your employees. Call Stern Mold for an inspection and free consultation. We are one of the top Manhattan mold removal companies.

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

Mold Outbreak Death Lawsuit in Pennsylvania Settled for Over $1 Million

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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.

Do you believe that interior mold and fungus is found only in old, dirty buildings? The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) recently settled the second lawsuit to arise as the result of a mold outbreak dating back to 2014.

A Disturbing Pattern

Shelby Slagle, a 27-year-old woman from Groveport, OH, had a heart transplant at UPMC, but died in June 2015. This past September, the hospital paid $1.35 million to settle a lawsuit filed by Slagle’s widower.

This judgment came shortly after another lawsuit that settled for the same amount in May 2016. The family of 47-year-old Tracy Fischer of Erie, PA, filed suit following Fischer’s death in October 2014 after developing a fungal infection.

During the period between 2014 and July 2016, three other UPMC transplant patients died as a result of mold infections. All five spent time in a “negative pressure”‘ room, prompting a federal investigation of these cases.

Could These Deaths Have Been Prevented?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), negative pressure rooms are intended to house patients who have a pre-existing infection. The ventilation system is designed to pull outside air into the room, reducing the possibility of infections spreading throughout the hospital but increasing the chance of infections in transplant patients who are taking drugs to suppress their immune systems.

Protect Your Family with Expert Mold Treatment from Stern Mold

When it comes to mold treatment, there is no wait-and-see period. Visit our website to learn more about our proprietary MoldExterm process that safely removes mold and leaves a barrier preventing future infestations.

 

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Tips, News
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