Tag Archives: How Mold Affects Health

Biotoxin Illness and Mold Interaction

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Are You Experiencing Symptoms Caused By Mold Toxicity?

Are You Experiencing Symptoms Caused By Mold Toxicity?

The generic term “mold illness” has been used to cover a variety of different ailments caused by exposure to fungi. While some reactions are due to allergies, doctors have identified a specific condition known as biotoxin illness that goes much deeper than just sneezing and coughing.

How Your Body Fights Toxic Mold

Your body’s immune system is charged with protecting you from bacteria, viruses and other foreign cells, including mycotoxins found in mold and mold spores. For many people, their immune systems will identify these toxins and produce antibodies to target and neutralize them.

Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker, a pioneer in the study and treatment of biotoxin illness, found that up to 25 percent of the population have immune systems that are genetically unable to produce this response. This condition has been named Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS).

Immune Systems “Gone Haywire”

People with CIRS have genetic markers that let their immune systems run unchecked. When invading cells (known as antigens) enter their system, antibodies are unable to clear them. As a result, their immune system continues to assault the antigens, causing a chronic state of inflammation.

If you have CIRS, mold exposure can cause multiple symptoms, ranging from fatigue, weakness and joint pain, to mood swings, vertigo and “brain fog.” There is no easy way to determine beforehand if you suffer from CIRS, so effective mold remediation is crucial for any occurrence.

Do You Suspect Mold in Your NYC or Northern NJ Home?

Don’t take chances with your family’s health. Contact Stern Mold today to schedule your free inspection and get more information about our proprietary MoldExterm mold remediation process.

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

Inhalation of Mold and Dust – a Health Hazard

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Inhaled Mold Spores Can Be Detrimental to Health

Inhaled Mold Spores Can Be Detrimental to Health

Big things come in small packages, and that applies to health risks as well. Dust and mold spores may not be visible to the naked eye, but they can have a serious impact on your physical well-being. Why do these microscopic particles create such a threat?

Mold Spores: Small but Mighty

Even the largest mold spores measure only 40 microns. In comparison, a human hair ranges from 100 to 150 microns. At that size, it’s easy for spores to slip past the natural filtering in your nasal passages, causing irritation to your upper respiratory system that triggers allergic reactions.

People who don’t generally suffer from allergies can still experience mild symptoms, such as wheezing and a runny nose, but the more sensitive an individual is, the more serious the effects. Reactions can range from chronic sinus infections to asthma attacks as well as lung infections in people with compromised immune systems.

Dangers of Dust in the Air

Dust is always present in the air, but treatments like traditional mold remediation can aggravate their presence. When building materials are removed, chemical vapors, silica particles and other irritants are released to combine with existing dust motes. Such disturbances also stir up mold spores that are dispersed into the air, where they can enter your system or find a new surface where they will continue to multiply.

State-of-the-Art Mold Remediation in NYC and northern NJ

Stern Mold uses a proprietary system called MoldExterm for effective and eco-friendly mold removal. Visit our website to learn more about why MoldExterm is superior to traditional mold remediation.

 

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

What Are the Most Common Types of Mold?

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There are more than 100,000 species of mold.

Just as the word “flower” encompasses thousands of different types of plants, there are more than 100,000 species that fit under the term “mold.” Here’s a look at the distinguishing characteristics found in some of the more common types of mold.

• Stachybotrys atra is the species that has come to be referred to as “black mold” due to its dark greenish-black color. While the mold itself is not toxic, it does produce mycotoxins that can cause a variety of health problems depending on a person’s sensitivity and length of exposure. Hidden black mold can sometimes be detected by its distinctive musty odor.

• Aspergillus is found both indoors and outdoors, so you inhale these spores every day, usually with no ill effects. This species, however, is a powerful allergic irritant, so individuals with allergies are susceptible to upper respiratory symptoms such as coughing and sinus congestion. People with lung conditions or weakened immune systems are vulnerable to a disease called aspergillosis.

• Cladosporium has a black pepper-like appearance and is often found in toilet tanks or on window sills. This variety of mold does not produce mycotoxins, but like aspergillus it can trigger upper respiratory distress in some people.

• Orange- or red-colored mold is usually found outdoors, where it serves to break down dead trees and other organic materials. Mold that appears white is generally in an early stage of development.

Rely on Stern Mold for Cost-Effective, Non-Intrusive Mold Remediation

Regardless of the species, our proprietary MoldExterm process removes mold more thoroughly and safely than traditional mold remediation. Contact Stern Mold today to schedule a free mold inspection for your NYC or northern NJ home.

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

Even Animals Suffer From a Mold Infestation

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For some homeowners, the prospect of mold infestation never becomes a problem while for others, a home with mold has been a reality. When mold infests a home, it causes damage that must be repaired. It also poses a health issue not only for humans, but also for pets.

Health-Related Issues

For humans, a variety of issues can result from black mold growth. These include:

  • Sinus infections
  • Allergic reactions
  • Asthma
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Eye irritation

For pets, common health issues can include:

  • Upper respiratory problems
  • Eye ulcers

Depending on the severity of the mold infestation can determine the type of treatment necessary.

Mold Remediation

This was the standard process of choice for many years. Through this process, infected building materials are removed and replaced. This can be a time consuming process as it will take however long is necessary to make repairs especially if remediation encompasses a large area. Remediation can also be expensive as it requires hands-on labor to remove the affected areas containing mold.

Mold Treatment

At Stern, our experienced NJ mold treatment technicians use a different approach using MoldExterm. This treatment addresses the source of the mold versus just the symptoms.

MoldExterm does not involve the removal and reconstruction of infested areas. It is safer, cost-effective, and takes much less time than remediation. The versatile and durable product removes and kills the toxic mold and provides a base that resists future infestations of mold, mildew or other microbial contaminants.

For more information on NJ mold treatment for your home or business, or to schedule a free mold inspection, contact Stern by phone or use our convenient online form.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Tips, News
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