Tag Archives: mold health

What Do I Need to Know About Mold in the Workplace?

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Mold in an Office Building is No Problem for Us

Mold in an Office Building is No Problem for Us

Mold in your home is a threat to your family’s health, but there are additional considerations when there’s an infestation in your office or business. Here is what the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has to say about the matter of mold in the workplace.

Detection and Prevention

• Any interior mold should always be removed, so testing is necessary only when visible growth can’t be confirmed.

• Excess moisture opens the door to mold growth, so water leaks and spills should be treated thoroughly within 24 to 48 hours.

• Maintain a regular building inspection schedule, paying close attention to HVAC systems, kitchens and bathrooms.

Health Issues

• The connection between mold growth and illness is still being studied, so there are currently no specific federal guidelines regarding mold in the workplace.

• Allergic reactions such as sneezing and red, itchy eyes are the most common health effects of inhaling mold spores.

• Consult a healthcare professional to address any concerns your employees may have.

Remediation

• An effective remediation plan should include steps to remove excess moisture and other conditions encouraging mold growth.

• Personal protection equipment such as goggles and respirators should be used by all remediation workers.

• Eating and drinking on-site should be avoided during the remediation process.

• Depending on the scope of the project, employees may need to be relocated while remediation is taking place.

Professional Mold Removal Service in NYC and Northern NJ

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Posted in Mold Law, Mold Remediation, MoldExterm, News

Fourth Patient Exposed to Mold in Pittsburgh Dies

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A fourth University of Pittsburgh Medical Center patient has died after contracting a fungal infection during a mold outbreak at the western Pennsylvania hospital. What caused the mold and fungus?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified a “negative pressure” room that was normally reserved for patients who already had infections as the likely source of the fungus. The rooms are designed to draw outside air in, but prevent air inside harboring potentially contagious disease from spreading to other patients. UPMC suspended the program September 21, 2015, but resumed it around a week later after reviewing procedures and treatments. UPMC spokeswoman Allison Hydzik stated the hospital wanted to “reassure our patients that we have taken every possible precaution to make our hospitals as safe as is humanly possible and have followed all recommendations made by federal and state regulators.”

Che DuVall, the 70-year-old retired glass cutter who passed away, was diagnosed with the infection in September a month after his double lung transplant. DuVall and other patients who died from the fungal infection were housed in the same room. He and his wife filed a lawsuit against UPMC alleging he was recklessly housed in a room that made him more susceptible to infection, which resulted in the removal of part of his new lungs.

UPMC declined to comment on the lawsuit, maintaining the deaths cannot be attributed to mold as transplant patients have weakened immune systems, increasing their risk of picking up infections that those who are otherwise healthy can routinely fight off.

Don’t let mold and fungus effect your health. Get rid of mold quickly and easily. Contact Stern Mold today.

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

Tenants Know Your Rights When It Comes to a Mold Problem

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Landlord-tenant relationships, and the court cases tied to their management, are nothing new. Following evictions, do you know what the second most common cause for court cases is? Complaints about neglected repairs, including mold treatment.

What should I do if I have a mold problem?
Your landlord is required to keep your home in fit and habitable condition, and mold problems could affect your family’s health and safety. Verbal reminders won’t cut it. Notify your landlord in writing documenting what needs to be fixed (roof leak, plumbing, etc.), keeping copies and proof of mailing as documentation you requested the repairs. Advise your landlord you will move from the property if the repairs aren’t made within a timely manner (i.e. starting repairs within 14 days), and finished within a reasonable amount of time.

Pursuing legal options
For those with extensive written documentation who have doggedly pursued mold treatment from landlords to no avail, filing a case with your local legal justice center may be of help – provided area law and your lease specifically stipulate the landlord as liable. Keep in mind, however, court costs are on the renter and decision in the hands of the judge, leaving your best outcomes reimbursement for damaged items, cleanup you contracted, or a lease broken without penalty and return of your security deposit.

Moving to escape mold
Many people become frustrated, simply moving to avoid moldy conditions. Unfortunately, without deep cleaning to affected furniture and upholstery, mold is moving with you.

Tired of living with mold in your rental home? Stern mold can help, offering free mold testing and affordable mold treatment options – without ripping out your walls. Contact Stern to learn more today.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Tips, MoldExterm