Tag Archives: NJ Mold Treatment

Why is Breathing In Mold Spores Bad for You?

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Are Mold Spores in the Air of Your Home?

Are Mold Spores in the Air of Your Home?

“Out of sight, out of mind” definitely doesn’t apply to mold spores. Our Manhattan mold removal team explains why you should be concerned about these microscopic particles floating around unseen.

Mold Spores: The Invisible Enemy

While they’re invisible to the naked eye, mold spores and construction dust are always present in the air. They may seem harmless, but the World Health Organization found enough reason to establish guidelines for indoor air quality.

Health Risks of Exposure to Mold Spores

Studies have shown a connection between exposure to dust and mold spores and ailments that affect both physical and mental health.

• Respiratory issues are the most common reaction to mold spores. People report chronic sneezing, coughing and other upper respiratory symptoms, even if they haven’t suffered from allergies in the past. More serious illnesses include aspergillosis, an infection that can cause fungus balls to develop in the lungs.

• Digestive issues are usually associated with eating moldy food, but mold spores have been known to trigger nausea, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems. In some cases, the immune system response may alter metabolism, actually leading to weight gain.

• Sadness and depression may not be directly caused by mold spores, but these conditions are often experienced by people dealing with a serious mold problem.

Call Stern Mold for Prompt and Effective Manhattan Mold Removal

Our MoldExterm program eliminates mold while addressing the conditions that cause mold to develop. Contact us to schedule a free inspection by our Manhattan mold removal experts.

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

Not always the ‘Fungi’ – How To Keep Unwelcome Mold Out of Your Home

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Don't Entertain Mold in Your Home

Don’t Entertain Mold in Your Home

Entertaining house guests is usually a good time, unless they’re the “fungi” variety. Keep nasty mold and mildew out of your home with these helpful NYC mold removal tips.

Difference Between Mold and Mildew

While the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there’s a difference between mold and mildew.

• Mold generally appears black or dark green in color, with a slimy texture and musty odor.

• Mildew is usually gray or white and powdery or fluffy to the touch.

Mildew often appears on damp surfaces such as shower curtains, while mold is more invasive, finding its way into and behind walls, ceilings and hidden spaces. Mold is also associated with a number of health problems, more so than mildew.

Prevention and Cleaning Tips

• Excess moisture is the primary cause of mold and mildew. Promptly repair broken pipes, leaky roofs and other causes of water build-up.

• Thoroughly dry affected surfaces after spills or flooding.

• Run the air conditioning regularly to keep humidity levels low. Dehumidifiers can also be useful.

• Be sure bathrooms, kitchens and other damp areas are well-ventilated.

• Make a cleaning solution with one cup of oxygen bleach powder to one gallon of hot water. Apply with a spray bottle and wait 30 minutes, then scrub the stains with a nylon stiff-bristle brush.

Stern Mold: Your Top Choice for NYC Mold Removal

Our proprietary NYC mold removal system is eco-friendly, non-invasive and cost-effective. Contact us to schedule a free mold inspection.

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

How to Identify Problem Mold

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Moisture Breeds Mold. Ensure You Are Keeping Your Humidity Under Control!

Moisture Breeds Mold. Ensure You Are Keeping Your Humidity Under Control!

Mold and mold spores surround us every day. How do you know when a problem requires NYC mold removal? Here’s a look at the signs of an indoor mold situation that needs attention.

Signs of a Mold Infestation

• Visible mold growth is the easiest to identify. Unfortunately, mold thrives in out-of-the-way places, so a mold colony in plain sight often means more is hidden elsewhere.

• Mold has a distinctive musty smell generated by escaping gases known as microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs). While the smell is often associated with basements, it clearly indicates the presence of mold, which should never be considered a normal condition.

• Prolonged exposure to mold frequently triggers allergic reactions in the upper respiratory system. If you have no history of allergies but you begin to experience symptoms such as sneezing, coughing and watery eyes, mold is usually the culprit. Symptoms of mold-related allergies also tend to subside when you’re away from the source.

What About Black Mold?

Much of the concern about mold is centered on stachybotrys, the so-called “black mold.” Stachybotrys emits mycotoxins that can pose serious health risks, especially for children, elderly people and those with compromised immune systems. Many other species of mold are black in appearance, so any infestation should be inspected and evaluated by NYC mold removal experts.

Expert Help for All NYC Mold Removal Needs

Do you suspect the presence of mold in your home or building? Contact us for a free inspection by our friendly and experienced technicians.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, Mold Law, 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

Mold Cleanup Tips from Our Professionals

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DIY Mold Clean-Up Tips

DIY Mold Clean-Up Tips

Have you discovered a small patch of mold growing in your home or building? If the area covers less than 10 square feet, you may be able to clean it yourself. Our Manhattan mold removal professionals offer some helpful DIY mold cleanup tips.

How to Clean Up Mold

-If mold was caused by leaks, repair them as soon as possible and completely dry all affected areas.

-Use a mixture of detergent and water to scrub mold from hard surfaces. Bleach and other chemicals are not recommended for mold cleanup.

-Don’t attempt to cover mold with paint or caulk. Clean and dry surfaces thoroughly before applying any substances.

-Disposal is the best treatment for infested carpets, ceiling tiles and other porous items. Mold penetrates the spaces of porous items, making cleanup virtually impossible.

-Avoid direct contact with mold. Wear gloves, goggles and a respirator during cleanup. Keep others away from the infested areas unless they are also wearing protective equipment.

-Even if mold is successfully removed, it may result in staining and cosmetic damage.

-Once mold is cleaned up, improve ventilation and clean more often to prevent it from returning.

-If mold is caused by contaminated water or it’s infested the HVAC system, don’t attempt to clean it yourself. You should also consult a professional if an infested item is expensive or has sentimental value.

Turn to the Top Manhattan Mold Removal Experts

When it comes to mold cleanup, you can’t afford to guess. Our Manhattan mold removal team has extensive experience with mold cleanup in any situation, no matter how big or small. Contact Stern Mold to schedule a free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold Information, Mold Tips, NJ Mold Removal, NYC Mold Removal
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