Tag Archives: Mold Identification

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

Learn About the Mold Life Cycle

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Mold Has Life Cycles, Learn About Which Part Puts You Most at Risk

Mold Has Life Cycles, Learn About Which Part Puts You Most at Risk

It often seems as though mold infestations spring up overnight, but as with all organisms mold follows a specific life cycle from genesis through “death.” Here’s a look at the life cycle of mold and how it impacts Manhattan mold removal.

Mold Life Cycle from Beginning to End

• Mold originates from a thread-like cell known as a hypha. Once the hypha finds a suitable surface with the requisite moisture, it puts down roots to absorb nutrients from the underlying organic materials. As a result, the hypha multiplies into a mass called a mycelium, which is when mold becomes visible.

• Eventually some of the hyphae develop spores, which are the reproductive elements of mold.

• Spores are released into the atmosphere, where they drift until they find another spot conducive to mold development.

• After the spores settle, the cycle comes full circle and continues to repeat itself.

Interrupting the Mold Life Cycle

Simply wiping down a mold-infested surface is as useless as cutting back the visible part of weeds. As long as the hyphae are anchored to the host surface, they’ll continue to draw the nutrients required for growth.

Effective Manhattan mold removal is a two-step process:

• Apply a mold-repelling substance to affected surfaces.

• Remove excess moisture from the surrounding atmosphere.

MoldExterm: Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective Manhattan Mold Removal

Our proprietary MoldExterm treatment is the only method incorporating both factors needed for successful mold removal. For more information, contact Stern Mold and schedule a free mold inspection by our experienced technicians.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, News

Five Things the EPA Wants You To Know About Mold – Part Two

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What to Know About Mold Spore Clouds

What to Know About Mold Spore Clouds

Mold may be a natural part of our environment, but indoor infestations are nothing to be taken lightly. Our NYC mold removal experts want to help you stay informed. Here is the second installment of things you should know about mold according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Five More Facts About Interior Mold

1. When moisture is present, it doesn’t take long for mold to establish a colony. Clean and dry any damp surfaces, materials or furnishings immediately. The optimum window is within 24-48 hours to prevent mold spores from getting a foothold.

2. If you find mold on hard surfaces, remove with detergent and water and dry thoroughly. Ceiling tiles and other porous or absorbent materials may need to be completely replaced.

3. Add insulation to windows, pipes, roofs, exterior walls and any other places where condensation is likely to form.

4. Carpeting plus dampness is a sure-fire formula for mold development. Avoid carpeting in areas where moisture is often present, such as around sinks or on concrete floors with frequent condensation.

5. Don’t assume any surface is mold-proof. As long as moisture is available, mold can grow on food, wood, paper, carpet and a number of other materials.

MoldExterm: Safe, Non-Invasive NYC Mold Removal

Our proprietary MoldExterm program is eco-friendly, non-invasive and helps prevent mold from returning. Treatment can usually be completed in just one day. Contact Stern Mold to schedule a free inspection and learn more about our NYC mold removal services.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information, News

Mold! What Every Property Manager Should Know

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Learn About Mold to Protect Your Employees

Learn About Mold to Protect Your Tenants

Both indoors and outdoors, mold has always been around us. As environmental awareness has grown, so too have concerns about the health effects of mold infestations.

If you’re a property manager, interior mold growth can lead to problems ranging from bad publicity to lawsuits. Our Manhattan mold removal experts share important facts you need to know.

Risk Factors for Mold

Moisture and organic matter are the only elements needed for mold to develop. Once it germinates, mold can spread as quickly as one to two days, especially in dark, confined areas.

Organic materials, including wood, carpet and sheetrock, make building interiors particularly opportune places for mold infestations. Mold is also a sign of a moisture problem, whether it’s a water leak or high humidity levels.

How Much Mold Is Too Much?

While there are no federal or state regulations defining acceptable mold levels, the National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine recommends immediate removal of mold inside buildings. Failure to do so may trigger penalties under OSHA’s General Duty Clause, which covers workplace hazards without specific standards.

Mold Remediation

According to the EPA, the best way to control mold is by controlling moisture. In addition to removing or repairing the source of the moisture, adequate ventilation should be installed in kitchens, bathrooms and other areas prone to mold development.

Trust Stern Mold for Manhattan Mold Removal

Pamela Stern is fully licensed and certified to create a customized mold treatment program for your specific needs. Contact us for more information.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, Mold Law, News

Don’t Be Fooled, Bathroom Mold Can Be Dangerous

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Don't Be Fooled, Bathroom Mold Can Be Dangerous

Don’t Be Fooled, Bathroom Mold Can Be Dangerous

The bathroom is one of the most logical places for mold to grow. But people often ignore it for a long period of time. As your Manhattan mold removal specialists, we see lots of cases like these. The fact is that some types of mold can be dangerous, and some aren’t. But how do you know the difference?

Identifying Mold That May be Safe

When you’re cleaning your bathroom, you may come across mold that could be safe. There are several types that will easily wipe away, and then it doesn’t grow back. If that is what you find, there may be nothing to worry about. Still, you might want to consider having a professional check the area to make sure you don’t have any leaky pipes that could turn it into a more serious problem.

Toxic Mold

There may be places in your bathroom that have mold, and you’re not even aware of them. Mold in these places can often go undetected because they’re not always visual to the naked eye. Also, if you try to clean mold and it grows back or starts to spread, that’s a sign of a more serious problem. It’s well worth having Manhattan mold removal experts check it out and give you their expert opinion.

Manhattan Mold Removal at Your Service

You need to be certain that any mold in your home is not a hazard to your health. That’s why we’re here to help.

At Stern Mold, we offer free inspections, so contact us today!

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information, Mold Tips, Mold Treatment, News
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