Tag Archives: Mold Identification

Environmental Protection Agency Provides a Mold Information Resource

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Don't Let Your Mold Problems Grow.

Don’t Let Your Mold Problems Grow.

There are a lot of misconceptions about mold. For example, there are well over 100,000 different types of mold. Some species of mold like penicillium, are used for beneficial purposes. But unless you’re a trained professional, you can’t accurately differentiate between the more benign types of mold and toxic molds. If you have a moisture problem in your home or business, mold is sure to follow. Call the mold experts at Stern for a free inspection.

EPA mold information

The Environmental Protection Agency has a free online resource for information about indoor air quality and mold. It provides information on the health risks associated with spending time in buildings with mold and has answers to commonly asked questions.

Mold is a common problem and there are currently no federal regulations or standards for acceptable levels of indoor mold spores. Reading about how much a problem mold is inside buildings can be unsettling. However, you don’t need to feel frightened. Obtain information from trustworthy sources like the EPA so you can make an informed decision about NJ mold removal.

Guaranteed peace of mind

Mold is a problem that you can eliminate quickly and easily. The MoldExterm method is a more effective and less costly solution than traditional mold remediation. If you already have a quote in writing from a certified mold removal company, contact Stern Mold to compare our price to theirs. We can beat their NJ mold removal quote by 20 percent and provide you with up to a five-year guarantee. We are NORMI certified and have been serving clients in New Jersey, New York City, and Long Island area since 1995.

Posted in Mold Information

What Do Mold Spores Look Like?

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If You're Allergic to Mold, Knowing What Mold Smells Like can Save you an Allergic Reaction.

If You’re Allergic to Mold, Knowing What Mold Smells Like can Save you an Allergic Reaction.

There are well over 1,000 different types of mold. It can grow anywhere that it has moisture, food, and the right temperature. This fungus is so common that you may take it for granted when you see it under a sink or growing along the exposed floor joists in your basement or crawl space. Don’t ignore mold.

Mold spores

Mold spreads and reproduces via spores. These spores are tiny; three to 40 microns. That is too small to be seen with the naked eye. These tiny spores easily become airborne and cause allergic reactions in some people. A 2004 study by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found evidence that exposure to indoor mold could cause respiratory illnesses in otherwise healthy children.

Dangers of mold spores

Since mold often grows in out of the way places and the spores are too tiny to be seen, mold can thrive and cause health issues for building occupants without them realizing the source. Spores may cause eye irritation, sore throat, headaches, skin irritations, or other symptoms that compromise a person’s quality of life and later lead to more serious illness. Unless a doctor specializes in mold-related illness, they may give an incorrect diagnosis that leads to ongoing suffering and frustration.

The best solution

A report by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that as many as 50% of all U.S. buildings have water damage or moisture conditions that could lead to mold growth and illness from mold spores. The experts at Stern Mold have more than 20 years experience effectively treating mold and protecting properties from future mold problems. Contact us today for a free inspection and consultation.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, News

Tips for Identifying if Your Office or Co-Op Has Mold

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Where Does Mold Prefer to Hide?

Where Does Mold Prefer to Hide?

Mold sickness begins with mild symptoms that are easy to ignore. However, long-term exposure can lead to serious illness, even for otherwise healthy adults. For people with compromised immune systems, the elderly, and children, mold exposure can cause life-threatening illness.

If mold is present in your office or co-op, it’s essential to get rid of the problem right away. Our patented NJ mold removal method is low-cost, quick, and doesn’t require tearing out walls. Call us right away if you notice any of these identifying signs for the presence of mold.

  • Musky smell: People sometimes just accept that an old building has strange smells in some rooms. Mold colonies may be living inside walls or under flooring. If you notice a persistent musky odor, the cause is likely mold.
  • Moisture problems: Whether it’s an ongoing plumbing leak, roof leak, or drainage problem, where there is moisture, mold will soon grow. Spores can lie dormant for years just waiting for the right combination of moisture, food, and temperature to begin growing and thriving.
  • Visual evidence: If you notice mold under kitchen sinks or in bathrooms, don’t ignore the problem. Mold does not go away on its own and there may be more danger there than meets the eye. There are many different types of mold that look similar. It is best to consult experienced professionals for identifying the type and extent of the mold problem.

Trying to remove mold yourself will expose you to more mold spores. If you think the building you live or work in is making you sick, trust your instincts and call us for a consultation about our NJ mold removal system.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Tips

Did You Know Mold Testing Has to Be Done by a Separate Firm?

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Did You Know Mold Testing Has to Be Done by a Separate Firm?

Did You Know Mold Testing Has to Be Done by a Separate Firm?

Sloppy and ineffective removal of mold and fungus can end up making the problem worse instead of resolving it. New York is one of several states that have enacted training requirements to protect consumers.

New York Adds Strict Regulations for Mold Assessors and Contractors

Here are the significant points of the mold law that took effect in New York during the past year.

• As of January 1, 2016, anyone working in the mold remediation industry must be properly trained and licensed. This includes assessors, contractors and all of their employees.

• Any jobs involving mold remediation or disturbance must be reviewed by a licensed mold assessor at both the start and completion of the project.

• All mold removal and clean-up jobs must be conducted by a licensed remediation contractor.

• According to the mold legislation, anyone holding a license to perform mold-related services is specifically barred from conducting both the assessment and the remediation.

• Violations of the mold law can result in civil penalties that range from $2,000 to $10,000.

Stern Mold: The Leading Mold and Fungus Removal Service in NYC

If you suspect the presence of mold and fungus in your NYC home or business, you need a company that you can trust. Using our proprietary MoldExterm system, our friendly and professionally trained technicians usually take only one day to effectively solve your mold problem.

MoldExterm is a two-step treatment that removes mold from affected surfaces and then applies a patented polymer sealer to prevent mold from returning for up to five years. Contact us to schedule a free mold inspection and learn more about the MoldExterm difference.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Law, Mold Treatment, MoldExterm, News

Where to Look for Mold in NYC Apartments and Co-ops

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Know the Facts About Mold.

Know the Facts About Mold.

Due to the combination of aging buildings and increased consumer awareness, there has been a significant increase in lawsuits involving mold and fungus in NYC apartments and co-ops. Here are three red flags that could signal the right conditions for mold development.

1. Leaks from Neighboring Units

If an upstairs or next-door unit experiences a broken pipe or flooding, mold could be developing out of sight behind your apartment walls. Water leaks are actually more common in newer buildings, which use plastic instead of copper or galvanized steel for water lines.

2. Blocked PTAC Units

A packaged terminal air conditioner, or PTAC, is a self-contained heating and cooling system often found in apartment buildings and condominiums. These units are installed through the wall and require twice-yearly maintenance. If the drain becomes clogged because of a dirty filter, the condensate pan will leak and the damage can go undiscovered until it’s too late.

3. Broken Washing Machine Hose

Even today’s high-end washing machines usually come with rubber hoses that eventually develop leaks. You can head off damage by replacing the original hose with one that’s wrapped in stainless steel, which can be purchased fairly inexpensively at hardware or home improvement stores.

Stern Mold: Your #1 Choice for Mold and Fungus Removal in NYC

Traditional mold and fungus remediation involves removal of affected surfaces, which often results in scattering mold spores throughout the home. Our non-invasive MoldExterm system usually takes no more than a day and includes a polymer sealer to resist future mold infestations. Contact us to schedule your free mold inspection by our friendly and professionally-trained technicians.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, MoldExterm
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