Tag Archives: Mold in The Workplace

Employees – How to Report Mold in Your Workplace to Your Manager

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Is Mold Making You Sick in Your Office?

Is Mold Making You Sick in Your Office?

You may be putting your health in jeopardy if you’re working in a place that has a serious mold problem. As you may know, it doesn’t take time for mold to spread. As it spreads, it can cause respiratory issues and other health concerns.

As an employee, you have the right to a safe work environment. When it comes to mold removal in New Jersey, employers know they need to act quickly. If you’re not sure how to report a mold problem, we’d like to help you.

Steps to Take to Report Mold at Work

Here, we’ve broken down exactly what steps you should take if you discover a mold problem in your place of employment:

– Report it to your manager immediately through email. This gives you a record of your report.

– Be specific. Include the location of the problem, what it looked like, and its size.

– Talk about any surrounding issues that you feel may be contributing to the problem. An example might be moisture in the basement. Make sure to mention any recent leaks or other issues that could be the cause.

– If a response doesn’t come right away, talk with the manager in person.

– Contact your local OSHA office if nothing is being done to remedy the problem quickly.

Protecting Yourself From Mold Exposure

Once you’ve reported the problem, you need to protect yourself. If you’ve been exposed to the mold for a long time, it’s wise to see a doctor. You need to know that you’re health hasn’t been affected.

At Stern Mold, we offer mold removal in New Jersey. We can help if you have a mold problem. Contact us!

Posted in Mold Information, Mold Law, Mold Remediation, Mold Tips, Mold Treatment, News, NJ Mold Removal, NYC Mold Removal

What Types of Mold are Commonly Found in Commercial Buildings?

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What Types of Mold are Commonly Found in Commercial Buildings?

What Types of Mold are Commonly Found in Commercial Buildings?

Is that just a bit of dirt and grime? Or is your commercial property in need of NJ mold removal services?

Be on the Lookout for These Five Dangerous Mold Species:

Alternia
Powdery and olive-green to black, 70% of those with mold allergies react to Alternia. This mold is at its highest concentration during the summer, when wind carries spores indoors.

Aspergillus
The second most common mold to infect humans, many commercial buildings are found to contain Aspergillus, whose spores are found in higher concentrations indoors than out. Yellow-green with a reddish-brown underside, it’s a toxic mold, capable of producing mycotoxins, and is known to cause serious health issues in humans and animals. This mold – and the diseases it induces – is so common that its diseases have their own name: Aspergillosis.

Cladosporium
NJ mold removal experts see a lot of Cladosporium, which comes in many colors (olive-green, brown, grey, black) and grows at nearly any temperature – even cold storage. It’s known as a major trigger for asthma attacks.

Penicillium
Penicillium was named after the Latin word for ‘paintbrush,’ namely due to its ability to produce enormous quantities of greenish, bluish or yellowish spores. Though toxic, carefully cultured, it can be put to beneficial use in antibiotics.

Stachybotrys
Dark brown or black in color, Stachybotrys, or ‘black mold’ is slow to develop, but can overtake other types of mold that colonize before it. It is commonly found on cellulose (plant-based) materials like paper, wood, and cotton.

Don’t let your commercial space earn a reputation as a ‘sick building.’ Clear mold fast with the help of the NJ mold removal experts at Stern Mold today.

Posted in Mold Identification, News, NJ Mold Removal, NYC Mold Removal

70% of Employees Complain About Poor Air Quality in Their Office Why?

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Are the Effects of Mold Affecting Your Employees?

Are the Effects of Mold Affecting Your Employees?

Is your job making you sick? If it is, you’re not alone. A survey by YouGov finds that about 70 percent of office workers across Britain believe their place of work has indoor air pollution that is having an adverse effect on their productivity.

Approximately one third of office workers feel poor indoor air quality at work is making them sick. Numbers are similar in North America. Sixty percent of workers say they begin their workday by opening a window to get fresh air. However, opening a window isn’t solving the problem.

Employer responsibilities

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), employers must adhere to the General Duty Clause of the OSHAct. It requires employers provide a safe place to work free of any known hazards that may cause serious illness, injury, or death.

The OSHAct establishes health standards that all employers must follow. If there is a problem with the air quality of an office, the employer should make employees aware of the issue and take corrective action. Local and state regulations may also apply.

NJ mold removal in buildings

Moisture problems can cause “sick building syndrome” in offices. The symptoms may include headache, itchy skin, dry eyes, nose, and throat, and fatigue. Mold spores are too small for people to see but they can trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions.

Mold issues can be easily remedied with the MoldExterm method of treatment. It takes significantly less time than traditional NJ mold removal in buildings. Most treatments can be completed in one day and come with up to a five-year guarantee. Contact Stern Mold today for a free consultation and mold inspection.

Posted in Mold & Your Health

Mold in the Workplace – OSHA Weighs in

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Feeling a Little Off at Work? Consider Mold as the Cause.

Feeling a Little Off at Work? Consider Mold as the Cause.

According to OSHA, more people are aware of the dangers of mold now than ever before. While mold and fungi are terms that are often used interchangeably, mold is actually a type of fungi than can cause serious health problems and concerns. Mold in the workplace is often an issue that is overlooked in many cases.

The Dangers of Mold

Mold tends to develop in areas that are damp, have high humidity, or where water damage has occurred. As soon as mold begins to develop, it can spread rapidly. It releases millions of spores that are air-borne, water-borne or even insect-borne. These spores are capable of producing mycotoxins, which can be hazardous to your health. Those at a greater risk of health issues include:

• Elderly people

• Infants and children

• People with asthma or allergies

• Pregnant women

Your Right to a Safe Workplace

As an employee, you have the right to a safe workplace, and employers have to follow strict guidelines to ensure your health and safety. The laws that are in place are there to protect you, and while most people assume the laws are mostly regarding your physical safety on the job, they also apply to your health. OSHA has laws in place to protect you, and if you feel that your rights are being violated because you work in a place that isn’t safe, you are encouraged to contact OSHA and file a report.

Help for Mold in the Workplace

Are you an employer who is fighting mold in the workplace? If you are, it helps to have professionals that you can count on. Contact Stern Mold to get the help you need.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information

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

Our eco-friendly, non-invasive MoldExterm system is an efficient and cost-effective treatment for mold in the workplace. Contact us today to schedule a free mold inspection by our experienced and professionally-trained technicians.

Posted in Mold Law, Mold Remediation, MoldExterm, News
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