Tag Archives: Mold and Health

Think Twice Before Going To These Hospitals Being Treated For Mold This Year

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Mold Can Appear In Health Institutions

Mold Can Appear In Health Institutions

Mold is an equal-opportunity invader with no respect for the type of building or people using it. Problems at these five hospitals illustrate why Manhattan mold removal is necessary for any affected building, residential or commercial.

5 Hospitals with Mold-Related Issues

1. In December 2018, 53 employees working on the maternity floor at Staten Island University Hospital became sickened by a moldy odor. Environmental testing revealed moderate levels of mold in the air that was traced back to mold behind a sink wall.

2. A faulty ice machine that failed to drain properly led to mold in a nutrition room at Petaluma Valley Hospital in California. For safety purposes, the hospital temporarily shut down its labor and delivery unit for several months.

3. When mold was found in a surgical instrument sterilization room last fall, Los Angeles County’s USC Medical Center had to take the drastic step of suspending elective surgeries and other procedures for a two-week period.

4. Seattle Children’s Hospital has been battling a mold problem in its ventilation system dating back to 2001. With 14 infections and six deaths believed to be caused by Aspergillus mold, the situation has triggered numerous lawsuits.

5. Air testing at Children’s Medical Center Dallas in December 2019 revealed abnormally high levels of Aspergillus and Penicillium molds. The hospital ultimately relocated surgeries and moved 28 cardiac intensive care patients.

Stern Mold: Experts in Manhattan Mold Removal

Our MoldExterm program is safe and effective for any type of building. Contact us for more information.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information, News

Is There Such a Thing as Non-Toxic Mold?

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Mold May Affect Your Lungs

Mold May Affect Your Lungs

The term “toxic” is often used in conjunction with mold in reports of Manhattan mold removal. Is it redundant, or is there such a thing as non-toxic mold?

Types of Toxic Mold

Toxic mold, sometimes called black mold, refers to particular species that emit dangerous substances called mycotoxins. When you hear or read about toxic mold, it generally involves these types:

• Stachybotrys chartarum has a greenish-black, soot-like appearance, although dampness can add a slimy sheen to the surface. High moisture and cellulose content plus low nitrogen content provide the perfect breeding ground for Stachybotrys chartarum, which is why this species is so often found in water-damaged buildings.

• In contrast to Stachybotrys chartarum, Aspergillus niger is dark black to gray in color and dry in appearance. The two species do share the common feature of producing mycotoxins that create serious health risks.

While a number of other mold species may be black in color, not all of them are toxic. Cladosporium is the most common type of non-toxic mold. Other non-toxic species include Dresclera, Alternaria and Ulocladium.

Can Non-Toxic Mold Affect Health?

Side effects of non-toxic mold are not as serious as those caused by the toxic variety, but any type of mold can trigger allergic symptoms. Seek professional Manhattan mold removal any time you suspect an infestation in your home or building.

Efficient and Cost-Effective Manhattan Mold Removal

Our trained technicians are skilled at finding and eliminating mold in homes and buildings. Contact Stern Mold to schedule a free inspection.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, News

Sensitive to Mold? Tips for Traveling Mold-Free

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Travel Tips on Mold

Travel Tips for Traveling Mold-Free

Whether traveling for business or pleasure, don’t let headaches, sneezing and coughing or other symptoms of mold exposure interfere with your plans. Our NYC mold removal experts offer helpful tips for traveling mold-free while away from home.

Tips for Avoiding Mold Exposure While Traveling

• Start inspecting the hotel as soon as you step into the lobby. Check the ceilings, walls and vents for water stains or signs of mold.

• Look for condensation on your room’s windows, which indicates moisture is at a high level.

• Use electrostatic dust cloths to wipe down vents. Dust traps mold and aggravates upper respiratory allergic symptoms.

• EC3 mold spray is an all-natural product that removes mold spores and mycotoxins. Mist the entire room with EC3 mold spray, taking care to include drapes, carpeting, furniture, bedding and hard surfaces such as desk tops.

• Supplement the spray by burning portable EC3 candles that remove microscopic mold spores circulating in the air.

• Carry a squirt dispenser of anti-bacterial and anti-fungal nasal spray and apply at least twice daily.

• Mold growth isn’t always visible. Be alert to the distinctive musty smell that indicates the presence of mold.

• Don’t be afraid to speak up. As a paying guest, you have the right to stay in a room that doesn’t present a health risk. Take pictures in case you need evidence for the future.

Quality NYC Mold Removal by Stern Mold

Our technicians have experience treating mold issues in all types of buildings. Contact us for more information.

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

Mold in Hotels Creates a Dangerous Overnight Stay for Guests

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Mold in Hotels is a Hidden Yet Dangerous Problem

Mold in Hotels is a Hidden Yet Dangerous Problem

Hotels rely on word-of-mouth and repeat guests to keep a steady stream of business. Few things will hurt a hotel’s reputation more than the presence of mold. Here’s a look at why New Jersey mold removal should be a priority for all hotels.

Mold Risk Factors in Hotels

• Guests are constantly adjusting in-room air conditioning units for their own comfort. Along with controlling temperature,  air conditioning creates condensation that forms a breeding ground for mold.

• Wallpaper and carpeting, elements of just about every hotel room, trap moisture and provide organic nutrients mold loves to feed on.

• Hotels require a large water supply system, increasing the possibility of leaks, burst pipes and flooding.

Tips to Control Mold Growth

• A high-quality professional housekeeping staff is a must for any hotel. Employees should be thoroughly trained to recognize signs of mold and report them promptly to their supervisor.

• Turn off air conditioning in any unoccupied rooms.

• Reduce condensation by insulating partition walls.

• Be respectful and courteous if a guest reports a mold issue. Do everything possible to place them in more suitable accommodations. Exceptional customer service goes a long way toward maintaining the good will of guests.

Experienced New Jersey Mold Removal for Businesses

Traditional mold remediation can disrupt your business for days, even weeks. Our proprietary MoldExterm program is non-intrusive, eco-friendly and cost-effective. Contact Stern Mold to schedule a free inspection and consultation by members of our friendly and knowledgeable technicians.

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

What Illnesses Are Caused by Mold Exposure and Mold Spore Inhalation

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What Illnesses Are Caused by Mold Exposure and Mold Spore Inhalation

What Illnesses Are Caused by Mold Exposure and Mold Spore Inhalation

Mold infestations are unsightly, but health risks presented by circulating mold spores are a more urgent consideration. Our Manhattan mold removal services reduce the danger of contracting a number of illnesses connected with exposure to and inhalation of mold spores.

Upper Respiratory Symptoms

As mold spores are inhaled, they tend to settle in the moist, sensitive membranes lining nasal passages. The immune system attempts to battle these “intruders” by producing antibodies, which results in reactions such as coughing, sneezing and itchy, watery eyes. People with pre-existing allergies are more vulnerable to these ailments, but even individuals with no history of allergies can become susceptible.

Lung Diseases

• Studies have shown a possible link between mold exposure and asthma in children. While to date there’s no evidence this applies to adults, mold exposure can increase the frequency and severity of attacks with individuals who already suffer from asthma.

• Aspergillosis is a range of diseases taking their name from Aspergillus, which is the specific form of mold that triggers them. Examples include Aspergilloma, a literal fungus ball that forms in lungs or sinuses, and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, where cavities form in the lungs over three or more months

Impaired Brain Function

Surprisingly, medical researchers have found evidence suggesting a connection between mold exposure and depression along with impaired cognitive abilities such as memory and impulse control.

Safeguard Your Health with Manhattan Mold Removal

Good health is an invaluable asset. Gain peace of mind when you contact Stern Mold to schedule a free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Treatment, News
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