Tag Archives: Mold and Your Health

How Airborne Mold Spores Enter Your Body and Impact Your Health

Here are the Tell-Tale Symptoms of Chronic Mold Exposure, be on the Lookout!

Here are the Tell-Tale Symptoms of Chronic Mold Exposure, be on the Lookout!

When it comes to mold removal in New York City, you don’t want to put it off for another day. Toxic mold is detrimental to your health and needs to be eliminated as soon as possible.

How Mold Enters the Body

Mold spores enter the body through breathing, ingestion, and through skin absorption. When spores and secondary metabolites (mycotoxins) are present, inhaling the mold gets spores into the lungs, sinuses, and respiratory system.

Ingestion can occur if mold residue filters down onto food being prepared on the counter of a basket of fresh fruit on the table. If the spores are airborne, they can enter the mouth.

If you have an open wound on your skin, mold can enter, and even if mold comes in contact with the skin, it can be absorbed.

Symptoms of Mold

One of the most prevalent symptoms is sinus problems that are often confused with an allergy attack. You may experience sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, and an irritated or burning feeling in the throat.

The longer you allow your immune system to work at deflecting the symptoms, the more over-worked it becomes. This can lead to more serious fungal infections and respiratory issues such as an infection of the blood.

Mold removal in New York City is important and our trained staff at Stern Mold have the experience to get your property mold-free. Call today to schedule a free inspection.

Mold Rage – Is It Real and What Are the Symptoms?

Mold Rage - Is It Real and What Are the Symptoms?

Mold Rage – Is It Real and What Are the Symptoms?

“Road rage” has become such a regular occurrence that it’s earned a listing in the dictionary. It may soon be joined by “mold rage,” a phenomenon that’s become one more compelling reason to seek mold removal in New York City and other areas.

Neurological Effects of Toxic Mold

Much has been publicized about upper respiratory symptoms and allergic reactions that are caused by exposure to mold. Scientists are now finding increasing evidence that mold can cause behavioral and neurological problems such as aggression and psychosis.

The culprit is mycotoxins, which are poisonous by-products of mold metabolism in some varieties. Several mycotoxins are so potent that they have been used as agents of biological warfare.

A Growing Body of Evidence

Here are just a few of the studies that have been documented by the National Institutes of Health (NIH):

– In an examination of 100 people who had been exposed to toxic mold in their homes, abnormal nervous system changes were found in all 100.

– Patients in another study reported “moderate” to “severe” physical, cognitive and emotional symptoms after exposure to mixed colonies of toxic mold. Testing showed impairments on a level with mild traumatic brain injury.

– One research team discovered that exposure to toxic molds can cause dysfunction of the body’s immune system, resulting in ailments such as depression, mood swings, sleep disturbance and memory loss.

Stern Mold: Your #1 Choice for Mold Removal in New York City

Don’t put the health of yourself and your loved ones at risk. Contact us to schedule a free mold inspection and learn more about our safe and effective programs for mold removal in New York City.

NYC Mold Removal – Mold Reaction What’s at Stake?

Mold Affects People Differently By Age and Medical Condition

Mold Affects People Differently By Age and Medical Condition

Mold hits some people harder than others, but anyone can experience a negative mold reaction. The symptoms can range from itchy eyes to serious respiratory illnesses, so it’s always safest to call for NYC mold removal if you think you have an infestation.

At-Risk Groups for Mold Reactions

If you manage an apartment building, hotel, or office space, it’s virtually guaranteed that some of your tenants and guests will be at high risk for mold-related health problems. Homes with children or elderly family members should be on alert, too.

Health conditions linked to mold reactions include:

– Asthma and allergies

– Cancer or chemotherapy

– Lung disease

– Liver disease

– HIV or other immune disorders

Mold Affects Everyone

When exposed to mold in large quantities or for an extended period of time, even a healthy adult with no known allergies might develop a reaction. The most common symptoms:

– Itchy, red eyes

– Runny nose

– Dermatitis (rashes)

– Wheezing, irritated lungs

– And other allergy and respiratory problems

NYC Mold Removal Prevents an Expensive Disaster

Too often, the health effects of mold go unnoticed while people struggle through months of coughing, sneezing, and allergic reactions to mold.

In the worst case scenario, an entire office or apartment building might see several tenants hospitalized due to mold reaction. A tragedy for the victims, and perhaps a costly lawsuit for the landlord.

With so much at stake, consider getting a mold inspection sooner rather than later for NYC mold removal services.

The inspection is free, and Stern Mold uses the MoldExterm system that is less costly and disruptive compared to traditional tear-out methods.

Contact Stern Mold for NYC mold removal with a lasting solution.

NYC Mold Removal – The Five Levels of Mold Remediation

Mold Will Only Get Worse If It Is Allowed To.

Mold Will Only Get Worse If It Is Allowed To.

Not all NYC mold removal calls for the same treatment. Experts categorize mold remediation into five different levels, starting with the least amount of contamination and progressing up.

Level I: 10 square feet or less

Mold infestation at this level, often found on ceilings or baseboards, is generally minor. You can sometimes clean a Level I infestation yourself, but be sure to wear gloves, work goggles and other protective gear.

Level II: 10-30 square feet

This level roughly correlates to the size of one wall panel. Cover moldy areas with plastic to minimize dust and debris, and double-wrap items before disposal.

Level III: 30-100 square feet

Contamination at this level becomes more serious, usually spreading across several walls. Seal ventilation ducts in the affected area and remove everyone from the work area. Infants and people with compromised immune systems or chronic lung diseases should be completely out of the surrounding area as well.

Level IV: More than 100 square feet

At Level IV, it’s best to seek help from professionals who are trained in the handling and removal of hazardous materials. They should also set up a decontamination room for staging of sealed contaminated items.

Level V: Air conditioners and HVAC systems

Level V infestations should always be conducted by professionals. Consult the manufacturer for recommendations of biocide products that help prevent the growth of mold and other microorganisms.

Stern Mold: The Leaders in Effective NYC Mold Removal

Our proprietary MoldExterm system is safer, less intrusive and more cost-effective than traditional mold remediation programs. Contact us to learn more about why Stern Mold is your first choice for NYC mold removal.

Mold – An Indoor Toxin that Needs Prompt Attention

Mold - An Indoor Toxin that Needs Prompt Attention

Mold – An Indoor Toxin that Needs Prompt Attention

No one wants mold in their home but unfortunately, our homes provide plenty of places for the toxin to hide. Finding the hiding spots and addressing issues is the first step in monitoring and maintaining a mold-free environment.

Mold and Health Issues

Mold is common and causes a variety of symptoms to those who come in contact with the spores. A few of the most common symptoms include:

– autoimmunity

– asthma

– fatigue

– hair loss

– headaches

– insomnia

– nausea

– weight loss

Places of Interest

One area in the home that can be a hotbed of activity for moisture is the bathroom. Humidity gathers in the room and creates the perfect environment for mold to grow. To help eliminate moisture and humidity, always run the fan to keep the room ventilated. If your bathroom doesn’t have a small exhaust fan, have one installed.

Do visual checks around sink pipes under the cabinets in the kitchen and vanity in the bathroom, as well as behind wallpaper exposed to humidity. Find the source and contact an NYC mold removal specialist to address the problem.

Another area to check is your car. If there are any openings where the seals lining the trunk or around windows have deteriorated or been damaged, water can seep in, accumulate in upholstery, and create that musty smell that is a sure sign of mold.

Water pipes leaking behind a wall and roof leaks will affect drywall, floors, and ceiling tiles where mold can grow and wreak havoc.

If you have a moldy situation, calling in professional NYC mold removal specialists from Stern Mold is recommended. We know how to treat mold safely. Call us today.

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