Tag Archives: Mold Extermination

Is There a Difference Between Mold and Mildew?

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You probably haven’t read a lot of news stories about lawsuits over unsightly mildew in the showers of newly constructed homes. Mold removal just seems to carry a more ominous connotation. Mentioning it brings up images of large homes sitting vacant due to deadly spores growing in the walls and floors. Mention mildew to most people, and they think of the cartoon mascots of some household cleaner taking care of chores for the happy humans. The two fungi are different.

Mildew

Mildew typically has a white or grey appearance and is powdery or velvety in texture. it can be found on plants like roses and other flowers. Mildew from the oomycota type of fungus grows on produce like grapes and potatoes. Although not a fungus, it was an oomycota species that brought on the 1845 Potato Famine in Ireland. In your home, mildew will likely appear in the bathroom shower, where moisture on the curtain and around the tub makes a convenient environment for growth.

Mold

Mold typically grows thick and may take on the appearance of a plant when it spreads over a surface. It is typically a green, red, black ,or blue color. Without proper mold removal, walls and floors with mold will begin to rot. Molds may have toxins that can cause allergic reactions and serious health issues for people with respiratory problems or compromised immune systems who live in a mold-infested home.

Toxic black mold can make a home uninhabitable for anyone. Don’t take a chance with your family’s health. If you suspect a mold problem, contact the experts at Stern Mold for a free mold inspection.

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

Are All Interior Mold Varieties Toxic?

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The term “toxic mold” has lead Americans to a great deal of stress and confusion in recent years. Are all varieties of mold toxic? How worried should you be about interior mold?

All molds in high concentration may cause health problems, but only a few or toxic.
Toxic, or “toxigenic” molds produce small molecular toxins – mycotoxins – spread via spores. The mycotoxins in these spores pose potentially serious health problems in high quantities. Two of the best known toxigenic molds include aspergillis and stachybotrys, or “black mold.”

Toxic black mold
Stachybotrys is infamous due to its prevalence in the home and its ability to sicken exposed individuals. It easily grows on building materials, especially in high-moisture environments. Greenish-black and gelatinous to dry in texture depending on conditions, black mold resembles several similar molds, therefore expert analysis is recommended to confirm its presence for mold removal.

Black mold symptoms:

  • Irritation of mucous membranes
  • Respiratory & skin issues
  • Weakened immune system
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Mental impairment
  • Organ damage
  • Hemorrhaging
  • Possible death

Immediate mold removal is necessary
Black mold can cause permanent damage and threaten your life. Health damaging risks increase in direct proportion to exposure times.

Not a D-I-Y situation
Disturbing mold can release huge amounts of spores. NEVER attempt removal of black mold on your own. Professional removal is necessary.

Need mold removal fast? For a timely alternative to mold remediation, contact Stern Mold today.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Treatment, News

Mold and Sick Buildings a Real Problem

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You’ve probably heard tales regarding black mold and health issues related to contaminated buildings… But what’s the real story?

The CDC and EPA inspire confusion over mold and health issues
Though the CDC denies a correlation between mold and health issues, the EPA sustains molds have the potential to cause serious illness. Once inside the sinuses and lungs of susceptible individuals, mold spores colonize the body. Reproducing and metabolizing, the spores excrete mycotoxins, poisoning the blood and attacking the immune system.

Symptoms of black mold exposure include:

  • Irritation to the eyes, skin, throat, nose, and lungs of mold-allergic and non-allergic individuals.
  • Hay fever symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, and red eyes.
  • Skin rashes or dermatitis.
  • Immediate or delayed allergic reactions.
  • Asthma attacks.

Where is black mold hiding?
Black mold needs a consistently moist environment to grow and reproduce. It hides in the nooks and crannies of high cellulose, low nitrogen materials. It loves to grow on paper, fiberboard, drywall, fiberglass insulation, under floorboards – even on dust and lint. If you have attempted to remove this mold with soap and water – you’re only scratching the surface.

Guarding against mold

  • Limit standing moisture, paying special attention  high humidity areas such as kitchens, showers, bathrooms, and utility areas containing washers, water heaters, and pipes.
  • If mold issues are identified, address them promptly – furnishings and building materials must be dried within 24-48 to prevent colonies from forming.

Avoid toxic mold and health issues. Contact Stern Mold and remove mold from your home and your life today.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Treatment, News

Black Mold Shuts Down School

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A current mold news story demonstrates that the fungus is an equal-opportunity invader with no respect for any demographics. Schools, hospitals, office buildings and other heavily populated facilities are all susceptible.

Workers at Carlin C. Coppin Elementary School in Lincoln, CA discovered mold while repairing leaks in the air conditioning system. After testing revealed the presence of black mold, the school was shut down for nearly a week so officials could investigate further.

The school was built in 1973 and has undergone periodic testing for black mold. Results of extensive testing in 2010 came back negative. At this time it’s believed that the infestation is a result of renovations in the affected classrooms over the past summer.

Students with allergies would be adversely affected by any mold in the building. Even people without a history of allergies or sinus trouble can eventually develop upper respiratory ailments such as runny noses and itchy, watery eyes.

Moisture is the lifeblood of mold. Any time a spore lands on a damp spot, it has the resources it needs to grow and expand. The experience at Coppin Elementary points out the importance of regular inspection and repair of air conditioning, faucets and other potential sites of water leaks.

If you discover a mold infestation in your home or office, you don’t have to look forward to the major inconvenience they had at Coppin Elementary. Our MoldExterm program provides safe and effective treatment that is usually completed within one day. Visit our website for more mold news and schedule a free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, MoldExterm, News

Why MoldExterm Instead of Mold Remediation?

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Discovering that you have a mold infestation is enough bad news. You don’t need even worse news that you have to endure long, invasive and expensive mold treatment by way of remediation. Here’s some good news: MoldExterm offers a safer, more efficient, cost-effective way of removing and preventing mold.

Our proprietary MoldExterm system is based on technology developed by Dr. Leonard Pinchuk. This brilliant researcher holds more than 80 patents for biomaterials and medical devices, most notably the nylon angioplasty balloon catheter used to treat cardiovascular disease.

Here’s a closer look at just a few of the advantages MoldExterm has over remediation:

  • Remediation involves physical removal of affected materials, which can actually escalate the problem by dispersing mold spores into the atmosphere. MoldExterm encapsulates and treats the surfaces to prevent the spread of mold.
  • We use an EPA-registered anti-microbial to kill the mold and follow up with a patented polymer seal to prevent it from returning. Remediation puts no prevention methods in place.
  • MoldExterm preserves your building materials, making it a more eco-friendly solution than remediation which creates a significant amount of mold-covered debris.
  • Our skilled, professionally trained technicians are usually in and out of your home or office within one day. Remediation is a long, messy process that disrupts your everyday activities.

In addition to all these benefits, MoldExterm saves you up to 50 percent over the average cost of remediation. When it comes to mold treatment, you have a better option today. Visit our website for more information about our unique process and schedule an appointment for a free mold inspection.

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