Tag Archives: Mold ID

Can You Smell Mold?

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Can You Smell Mold?

Can You Smell Mold?

Mold is a generic term encompassing more than 100,000 known species with a wide range of colors and textures, which also emit a number of distinctive odors. Our Manhattan mold removal experts explain the cause of mold smells and how to identify them.

What Makes Mold Smell?

As mold grows, it releases chemicals known as microbial volatile organic compounds or mVOCs. When mVOCs reach the air, they emit a pungent and unpleasant odor that often has a strong musty element such as you might find in a damp basement or waterfront cottage.

Just as mold species differ in color, specific mVOCs can have a variety of odors. Some are described as earthy, like the smell that follows rainfall. Others have the medicinal smell of camphor, or a scent similar to fermentation of alcohol. Herbaceous, nutty and fatty are also terms that have been used in connection with mold smells.

Identifying the Odor of Mold

If you have one of these odors lingering in your home despite your best efforts, chances are good it’s from a hidden mold infestation. You could even become “nose-blind” to persistent smells. Step outside for a few minutes and take some deep breaths of fresh air, then go back inside and compare.

Stern Mold: The Manhattan Mold Removal Experts

Our professionally trained technicians have extensive experience locating and treating mold infestations, even those not readily visible. Contact us to schedule a time for a free mold inspection and consultation.

Posted in Mold Identification, News

What is Aspergillosis – Is it Caused by Inhaling Mold Spores?

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What is Aspergillosis - Is it Caused by Inhaling Mold Spores?

What is Aspergillosis – Is it Caused by Inhaling Mold Spores?

Are you or someone you care about suffering from constant health problems? Could it be due to mold? Aspergillosis is a troubling infection triggered by exposure to mold spores. Sadly, it wreaks havoc on our most vulnerable. Across the nation, more than half of all residences and commercial buildings have some form of mold and damage due to water.

New York is particularly susceptible to the growth of mold. The high levels of humidity in the area make New York buildings the prime environment for mold growth. Investing in NYC mold remediation can safeguard against debilitating illness.

Who are the Most Vulnerable?

Aspergillosis affects those who are prone to infection due to a weakened immune system. Those who have undergone chemotherapy are particularly susceptible. If you’ve received an organ, have lung problems or other similar maladies, the threat of Aspergillosis is real. For households with people who have serious health problems already, it’s important to get schooled on the mold facts.

Check Your Symptom List

Mold (otherwise known as fungus) hides in obvious places. Ground spaces, dust particles, plants, rotting food, soil and materials in the walls, ceilings, floors are all known to contain mold. If you have experienced any of the symptoms below you may have contracted a type of Aspergillosis infection:

– Mucous/Blood Cough

– Chills

– Fever

– Wheezing

– Shock

– Chest Pain

Stay Strong and Stern

Our NYC mold remediation team at Stern Mold can keep the most vulnerable from the suffering mold illnesses every day. Do you know enough to safeguard your family against the unseen? Visit our informative website today! We’ll help you ask the right questions, so you can finally find a solution!

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification, News

Mildew or Mold – When to Call a Removal Firm or a Cleaner

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Mildew or Mold - When to Call a Removal Firm or a Cleaner

Mildew or Mold – When to Call a Removal Firm or a Cleaner

If you are a property owner, you should be prepared to deal with mold. It is a common problem in both old and new buildings. Severe weather can create a moisture problem that quickly becomes a mold problem.

New buildings are constructed much tighter than older buildings. These tight buildings may hold in heat and cool air better but they also hold in the high humidity. The following are some tips on how to best handle an existing mold problem.

Mildew or Mold?

Mildew is the lesser evil of the two. It is typically white or a pale grey and easier to clean up than mold because it grows on the surface of damp areas like bathroom tiles. Wear proper gloves and begin your clean up effort with vinegar. Vinegar is not going to require ventilation and can be safely applied to practically any surface. Mildew is closely related to mold and may also trigger an allergic reaction in some people.

Mold? Call the experts

Mold likes to grow in out-of-the way places where you are not likely to disturb its progress. The warning signs of a problem can be subtle. Early symptoms of mold-related health problems are often misdiagnosed. A thorough mold inspection by a knowledgeable NJ mold removal expert is the best course of action if you think you have a mold problem.

If you are unsure of what to do, contact the mold experts at Stern Mold for a free inspection and consultation. Our affordable MoldExterm method can usually be completed in one day and without all the mess that comes with traditional NJ mold removal methods.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, Mold Remediation, Mold Tips, Mold Treatment, News

How to Identify Mold Versus Mildew – Part Two

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How to Identify Mold Versus Mildew

How to Identify Mold Versus Mildew

When mold or mildew infiltrates your home, it’s important that remediation take place sooner rather than later for two reasons; potential health issues for you and your family and potential damage to your home.

Manhattan Mold Removal

While mildew presents itself on the surface of areas such as plants, vegetables, and damp clothing, mold penetrates the area it affects. Sometimes, you won’t be aware of a mold problem because it’s in an area that’s not visible, like a crawl space. Other times, the splotchy and discolored areas are clearly visible.

Common Mold Types Household mold can be categorized into five types:

– Alternaria – is visible in damp places such as under sinks and in showers.

– Aspergillus – is the most common indoor mold and is found on paper products.

– Cladosporium – this mold grows in cooler areas such as wood surfaces, floorboards, curtains, and carpets.

– Penicillium – presents itself as a green or blue fungus with a musty odor. It is found on items or in areas in contact with water, which includes insulation, wallpaper, and carpeting.

– Stachybotrys chartarum – is referred to as “black mold” and is the most dangerous due to its production of mycotoxins that cause extreme health problems.

Manhattan mold removal is something we take seriously at Stern Mold. With years of experience and expert technicians, we can remedy your mold or mildew problem efficiently so you can get back to enjoying the comfort of your home. With our free home inspection, we’ll isolate the problem and use our specialized mold treatment process to clear the air.

Don’t let mold or mildew dampen your day; call us for more information and to schedule an appointment.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, Mold Treatment, News

How to Identify Mold Versus Mildew – Part One

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How to Identify Mold Versus Mildew

How to Identify Mold Versus Mildew

Any area of your home that comes in contact with moisture is susceptible to mold or mildew. This can be due to several reasons such as pipes that have burst, leaking pipe connections, a broken water line, and moisture-ridden areas such as a shower, sink drains, and around a washing machine.

NJ Mold Removal

It can be confusing about which fungus is which since both cause discoloration. This is especially evident on drywall where splotches of color are clearly visible.

Both types of fungi can live indoors and thrive, which results in damage to affected areas as well as creating an unhealthy living environment.

Mold and Mildew Differences

Mold presents itself in patches or splotches of green, blue, gray, white, yellow or black. The pattern of the mold is irregular and the fungus penetrates beneath the host material. It may appear to have a fuzzy texture or it may seem slimy. Over time, the material it affects will usually rot.

Mildew remains on the surface of the material, is usually damp, and can be easily removed. Mildew presents itself with a fuzzy or powdery brown or yellow texture on plants and vegetables. Inside the home, think about damp towels in a laundry basket and you’ve created the perfect living conditions for mildew.

Regardless of which fungus has infiltrated your home, you need the help of professionals.

NJ mold removal just got a lot easier with the services available from Stern Mold. With proven techniques and solutions, our remediation process will leave your home environmentally healthy. Our team of specialists is standing by to get “Stern” with harmful unwanted fungus growing in your home. Call today!

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, Mold Tips, Mold Treatment, News
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