Tag Archives: Mold Toxicity

What Molds Are Considered Toxic?

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Poor Air Quality Due to Mold Could Be Affecting Your Health

Poor Air Quality Due to Mold Could Be Affecting Your Health

“Toxic” is a term commonly applied to a number of diverse things ranging from chemicals to relationships. So what does the word mean when it’s used in reference to mold? Please allow our NYC mold removal experts to separate facts from fiction.

Is Toxic Mold Really Toxic?

In a word, no. Toxicity actually lies in chemicals called mycotoxins that are produced and released by mold. Different mold species may produce one or more varieties of mycotoxins, but the chemicals have no intrinsic value to mold’s reproductive process so scientists are still unclear as to their purpose.

Are “Toxic Mold” and “Black Mold” the Same?

Black mold does produce mycotoxins, but the term is a shorthand name for a specific type of mold called Stachybotrys chartarum. Aspergillus and other forms of toxic mold can appear in colors such as gray, gold and yellow- or blue-green.

Is Toxic Mold a Health Hazard?

“Toxic” is sometimes interpreted as “fatal,” and while exposure to mycotoxins almost never rises to a deadly level, it can adversely affect health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists upper-respiratory symptoms such as sneezing and coughing as possible results from mycotoxin exposure, even in people who have not previously suffered from allergies.

People with asthma, compromised immune systems and similar pre-existing conditions are particularly vulnerable to mycotoxins, as are young children and the elderly.

Stern Mold: The Top NYC Mold Removal Professionals

Toxic or not, indoor mold infestations should be treated immediately. Contact Stern Mold for more information.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Treatment, News

Mold Rage – Is It Real and What Are the Symptoms?

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Mold Rage - Is It Real and What Are the Symptoms?

Mold Rage – Is It Real and What Are the Symptoms?

“Road rage” has become such a regular occurrence that it’s earned a listing in the dictionary. It may soon be joined by “mold rage,” a phenomenon that’s become one more compelling reason to seek mold removal in New York City and other areas.

Neurological Effects of Toxic Mold

Much has been publicized about upper respiratory symptoms and allergic reactions that are caused by exposure to mold. Scientists are now finding increasing evidence that mold can cause behavioral and neurological problems such as aggression and psychosis.

The culprit is mycotoxins, which are poisonous by-products of mold metabolism in some varieties. Several mycotoxins are so potent that they have been used as agents of biological warfare.

A Growing Body of Evidence

Here are just a few of the studies that have been documented by the National Institutes of Health (NIH):

– In an examination of 100 people who had been exposed to toxic mold in their homes, abnormal nervous system changes were found in all 100.

– Patients in another study reported “moderate” to “severe” physical, cognitive and emotional symptoms after exposure to mixed colonies of toxic mold. Testing showed impairments on a level with mild traumatic brain injury.

– One research team discovered that exposure to toxic molds can cause dysfunction of the body’s immune system, resulting in ailments such as depression, mood swings, sleep disturbance and memory loss.

Stern Mold: Your #1 Choice for Mold Removal in New York City

Don’t put the health of yourself and your loved ones at risk. Contact us to schedule a free mold inspection and learn more about our safe and effective programs for mold removal in New York City.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Treatment, MoldExterm, News

Tips for Healing from Mold Toxicity Exposure

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Tips for Healing from Mold Toxicity Exposure

Tips for Healing from Mold Toxicity Exposure

Although there has been more research done recently on mold illness, it remains unrecognized by many doctors. People suffering from mold sickness often endure misdiagnosis after misdiagnosis while their health and quality of life continue to decline, not realizing that the cause of their suffering exists in their home or workplace and continues to spread.

The mold illness and Lyme disease connection

In his 2005 book, Mold Warriors, Ritchie Shoemaker, MD directed the attention of many practitioners to the connection between Lyme disease and mold sickness. Many people with Lyme disease appear more susceptible to mold sickness.

Having one illness can predispose people to other health issues. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has already established that mold can trigger asthma attacks in asthmatics and ongoing exposure to mold spores is likely to lead to asthma in otherwise healthy children.

Healing from mold toxicity

If you suspect you or a loved one has mold sickness, start by seeking out a doctor who specializes in mold-related illnesses. They may recommend mycotoxin testing, but there’s no quick fix to mold illness. Healing from it requires a multifaceted and comprehensive approach. You must start by eliminating any mold problem within your home.

The most effective mold treatment

Stern Environmental Group has been serving residential and commercial clients in New Jersey, New York City, and Long Island for over 20 years. We are mold experts and use the highly effective MoldExterm mold treatment method to effectively eliminate mold problems for a fraction of the cost of traditional methods. MoldExterm is safer, quicker, doesn’t require ripping out walls, and comes with a guarantee. Contact us today for more information.

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

Damp Environments and Your Health as Detailed by the Center for Disease Control

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Damp Environments and Your Health as Detailed by the Center for Disease Control

Damp Environments and Your Health as Detailed by the Center for Disease Control

A lot of posts, blogs and articles have been written about how bad toxic black mold can be for your health, and virtually every NYC mold removal company is aware of the problems. Of course when reading these stories, you may think that they’re embellished, made up or downright exaggerated for business or marketing purposes. Well, that can’t be further from the truth.

The CDC

The most respected organization for fitness and health issues, named The Center For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC) which is a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has published a major article called the “Facts About Mold and Dampness.” In it they write about mold and your health, mold in your home, and how to control mold. They also give great mold prevention tips!

Now, even though you may not think of an article on mold as being all that interesting, this one is filled with facts, ideas and information that virtually everyone should know about, and certainly any NYC mold removal company will also know these facts and figures.

Nothing to Sneeze At

Mold in your house or home may actually cause you to sneeze, but it is nothing to sneeze at. There are many serious health issues, particularly for babies and young children, so mold, especially toxic black mold, should be kept out of your house or home. At the very least, this article from the CDC gives prevention tips that should be followed for a happy and healthy mold-free life.

For more information, or a free mold evaluation, please contact Stern Mold, the experts in mold remediation, serving New York and New Jersey.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification, Mold Information, News