Tag Archives: NYC 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

What is Mycosis and Why Should I be Concerned About Breathing Mold Spores?

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Prevent Illness with NYC Mold Experts

Prevent Illness with NYC Mold Experts

They’re not visible to the naked eye, but mold spores can have a significant impact on your health. Find out why Manhattan mold removal can help you and you family avoid a common but unpleasant disease.

What Is Mycosis?

Mycosis is the generalized term for a fungal infection occurring in humans and animals. Well-known forms of mycosis include athlete’s foot, ringworm and thrush.

While a number of factors can contribute to development of mycosis, one of the more frequent causes is inhalation of mold spores. Once the mold spores enter the lungs, the conditions may be right for an infection to take hold.

Risk Factors

Anyone can develop a mycosis, but certain segments of the population are particularly vulnerable:

• Children and the elderly

• Individuals with diabetes

• People with weakened immune systems, such as individuals with HIV/AIDS or those undergoing chemotherapy

• People being treated with antibiotics

Aspergillosis: The “Mold Mycosis”

Aspergillosis is the most prevalent form of mycosis caused by mold spores. The disease takes its name from Aspergillus, a type of mold with nearly 200 species frequently found both indoors and outdoors.

Sinusitis is a mild form of aspergillosis that tends to affect people who are sensitive to allergic triggers. Individuals with asthma or other pre-existing lung conditions are vulnerable to more serious forms of aspergillosis, such as aspergilloma (fungal balls) or chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA).

State-of-the-Art Manhattan Mold Removal from Stern Mold

Contact us today to schedule a free inspection by our Manhattan mold removal experts.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information

Top Mold Questions Answered Part One

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Long-Term Allergy Symptoms Could Be Caused By Mold

Long-Term Allergy Symptoms Could Be Caused By Mold

Close to a third of the United States population is more vulnerable to mold exposure symptoms because of their genetic makeup. Millions of vulnerable people are possibly suffering from unexplained health symptoms because of the presence of mold. Are you one of the many?

You can’t change your DNA, but you can safeguard against harmful mold exposure. At Stern Mold, our NYC mold removal experts diligently research and resolve mold infestations so that your pertinent questions are answered with not just theories but positive results!

What’s Up with Mold?

You aren’t alone in your mold concerns. People across America are asking the right questions so they can receive permanent solutions. Here are 3 of the top mold questions Stern’s NYC mold removal team are ready and able to address:

1. How can I tell if I have a Mold Problem?

Your home or business is vulnerable when high humidity levels or leaks occur indoors. Strange odors, stained walls, ceilings or floors signal that you may need to hire a mold remediation team.

2. How do molds affect people?

If you’ve been suffering from long-lasting allergy symptoms, mold may be the culprit. Fevers, rashes, irritation of the nose, skin or eyes and asthmatic episodes are triggered by mold exposure.

3. Who can test my home or fix and remediate my home?

For local New Yorkers, Stern Mold’s NYC mold removal team is ready to serve! Get answers, set up a mold inspection and gain mold relief by contacting Stern Mold today!

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

Levels of Mold Damage/Infestation Explained

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Determine Your Mold Damage Level

Determine Your Mold Damage Level

Do you have a mold problem? How do mold experts determine the severity of the infestation? How do you? Thankfully, with the help of Stern Mold’s Manhattan mold removal team, you’ll be able to decipher the severity of your problem according to the specific mold damage levels experts look for.

It’s On the Level

Mold spores aren’t selective. If there are vulnerable materials nearby and high humidity, mold spores will multiply! Below is a brief description of each level and what characteristics differentiate between the levels:

Level 1 – Not So Bad

Level 1 is the least severe of the levels. Contaminated ceiling tile, baseboards and any affected surfaces that are under 10 square feet may not require professional remediation.

Level 2 – Warning Signs

A contaminated space that is 10 to 30 square feet is signaling you might have a plumbing issue or should troubleshoot your air conditioning system. Any infected material that you remove needs to be sealed before being moved. This helps to prevent mold spores from spreading to other areas. It may serve you well at this level to hire a Manhattan mold removal team for extra security.

Levels 3, 4 and 5 – Huge Red Flags

Any infested areas that are 30 square feet and larger should be remediated quickly. Stern Mold’s Manhattan mold removal professionals know that these levels can threaten the welfare of everyone in the vicinity. Contact Stern Mold as soon as possible to get an inspection. We help you eliminate the hazards that threaten you!

Posted in Mold Information, Mold Remediation, Mold Treatment

How Can You Find Out if There Is Mold Behind Your Walls?

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Look for Early Signs of Mold

Look for Early Signs of Mold

Are you smelling a distinctive musty odor in your home or building? That’s a common sign of mold infestation, even if there’s no visible evidence. Our Manhattan mold removal technicians discuss what to do if you suspect the presence of mold behind your walls.

Moisture: Mold’s Best Friend

Mold needs moisture to grow, which is why it’s often found in damp places such as bathrooms, kitchens and basements. While the space behind walls may not seem like an obvious place for mold to develop, plumbing or roof leaks can result in water becoming trapped in a spot that’s difficult to dry.

Sometimes you can detect a leak from the appearance of thin streaks of discoloration running down a wall. Unfortunately, many leaks don’t make their presence known until the damage has become severe.

Is There Mold Behind the Walls?

So you can’t ignore that smell. How do you find out if there is a mold infestation behind the walls?

• Cut a small hole in the drywall where you suspect the problem. If there’s discoloration, use that as a guide.

• Check the wood and insulation paper to see if mold is present or if the smell becomes even stronger.

• Patching up a small hole in the wall is less intrusive than tearing it down and rebuilding it.

Choose Stern Mold for Quality Manhattan Mold Removal Services

Don’t lie awake at night wondering if your home or building has a mold problem. Let our trained Manhattan mold removal experts and our proprietary MoldExterm program give you peace of mind. Contact us to schedule a free mold inspection and quote.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, Mold Treatment