Monthly Archives: May 2016

Mold 101: How Can I Remove Mold from Carpet?

Posted on by

Interior mold is usually depicted as growing on surfaces like walls or bathtubs. Even though it’s not visible, mold and fungus can affect carpeting as well. Is there any effective treatment or remedy?

What are mycotoxins?

Mycotoxins are toxic substances that are by-products of mold. At 0.1 microns in width, they are even more minute than mold spores. Human hair is approximately 100 microns wide, which gives a sense of the relative size of mycotoxins.

Health effects of mycotoxins

When you are exposed to toxic mold such as Aspergillus, which is one of the most common types found indoors, mycotoxins are ingested through the respiratory system. Mycotoxins from Stachybotrys, also referred to as black mold, can be absorbed through the skin as well.

Removal and treatment

As mycotoxins settle in carpet fibers, footsteps stir them up into the air where they can be ingested along with mold spores and allergens. A HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner can remove the spores, but mycotoxins are small enough to pass through the vacuum and back out though the exhaust. Replacing the carpet is the only sure way to get rid of mycotoxins.

If you have been exposed to mycotoxins, take a long, hot shower with plenty of soap. Hair can trap mycotoxins, so you should also thoroughly shampoo.

Effective mold treatment in New Jersey

When it comes to mold and fungus treatment, don’t take a chance on doing an incomplete job. Our proprietary MoldExterm system removes mold thoroughly while leaving a sealant that prevents future infestations. Visit our website to learn how you can schedule a free mold inspection.

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

Mold 101: What Are Toxic Black Mold Spores?

Posted on by

The ideal way to think of toxic black mold spores is to think of mushroom spores. Just like mushroom spores, black mold spores are released into the air as the fruiting body grows and dries out.

If kept constantly wet, black mold will remain locked up within the colony. However, if allowed to dry or if disturbed by rubbing it or through ineffectual cleaning, the toxic spores will take to the air and attempt to colonize other moist areas.

Black Mold Mycotoxins

The allergenic aspect is in the mycotoxins that they can carry. That’s why mold treatment becomes so important. Granted, not every type of black mold is mycotoxic, and there are many factors, like where they grow and the level of humidity, among other things, that determine whether the black mold will be an allergen or whether it will be benign.

The problem is that there is no way to tell whether the black mold you see carries mycotoxins. Unfortunately, the only way to tell if you have been exposed to toxic black mold, is if you begin to experience symptoms. Some of the most common ones are an allergic reaction, vision and other eye problems, dizziness, and anxiety.

Your Best Course of Action

The best course of action, if you have noticed a black mold infestation, is to not take any chances and rely on the professionals at Stern Mold for mold treatment. We are part of the Stern Environmental Group, and will answer all of your questions or schedule a free mold inspection for your residence. We have been serving the New Jersey, New York City, and Long Island area since 1995.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, News

Mold 101: Will I Have Mold After a Water Leak?

Posted on by

Mold requires water to grow. Since mold spores float invisibly through the air, any source of moisture becomes a potential area for infestation. Pay close attention to these clues so you can obtain mold treatment before the problem grows out of hand.

  • Water leaks are one of the biggest triggers for indoor mold. Sometimes the leak is evident, such as water dripping from the ceiling. Any time you have a visible leak, continue to monitor the area after repairs.
  • Many leaks are not immediately apparent, but there are some telltale clues. Water stains on walls or ceilings, blistering and peeling paint or wallpaper, or damp surfaces are the primary signs of a moisture problem.
  • Condensation on windows or pipes can signal a potential mold problem. The water itself provides nourishment for mold, while the high humidity levels causing the condensation will also encourage mold growth.
  • Have you ever experienced flooding in your home? That is a red flag for mold infestation, particularly in areas where the water was standing the longest.
  • Don’t rely strictly on visual cues. Mold can grow under damp carpeting, behind water-stained walls and in other out-of-the-way places. In these cases, you may begin to notice an unpleasant odor without actually seeing mold.

Mold may seem innocent, but in addition to damaged surfaces, it can cause health problems like headaches, sinus infections and other allergic reactions. Our proprietary mold treatment is quick, efficient, ecofriendly and protects against future mold infestations. Contact Stern Mold today for a free inspection by our friendly and knowledgeable technicians.

Posted in Mold Remediation, Mold Tips, News

Mold 101: What Does Mold Smell Like?

Posted on by

Does your home have an unpleasant odor, but you can’t seem to pinpoint the source? It could be that your sense of smell is sending notice that your house needs mold treatment.

Is Mold Causing That Strange Odor?

You may think you’re alert to the presence of mold, but it doesn’t always cooperate by growing in a visible area. The smell is a tip-off that mold may be forming in an out-of-the-way place.

Mold emits gases called microbial volatile organic compounds, or MVOC. While many are odorless, some have the distinctive musty odor that’s identified with mold.

The Dangers of Mold

While the smell is highly unpleasant, it’s really the least of the problems presented by interior mold growth. In addition to the gases produced by mold, you are inhaling other potentially toxic emissions as well as mold spores.

These invisible, airborne particles can cause chronic upper respiratory problems such as sinus infections, sore throats and watery, itchy eyes. Some people experience depression, digestive difficulties, fatigue and other more serious health issues.

Treat the Cause, Not the Symptom

It will take more than air fresheners and scented candles to remove the smell. All they do is mask the odor. The underlying problem needs to be addressed with effective mold treatment.

Don’t wait until you see mold on your walls, fixtures or furniture. If you suspect an infestation, contact the professionals at Stern Mold for a free inspection. We have been serving the New Jersey, New York City and Long Island areas for more than 20 years.

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

Mold and the Allergy Connection

Posted on by
Protect your family from an allergies by treating mold quickly.

Protect your family from allergies by treating mold quickly.

Allergies are a regular part of life, and millions of people suffer from them. In most cases, pollen is the main allergen, with symptoms including sneezing, itchy eyes, and others.

The Mold Connection

The interesting part of this scenario is that, if you or your kids are allergic to mold spores, the same symptoms will occur. Especially during the spring and summer, a mold allergy may be mistaken for a common allergy, and if your son or daughter also suffers from asthma, it could become a very serious health issue.

Mold Allergy Clues

If you or your children are prone to seasonal allergies, check to see if they become worse or flare up in different places. Go into other parts of the home, like laundry rooms, bathrooms and basements and monitor the reactions. If there is no difference in any room than being outside, then the chances are that you don’t have a mold problem.

If, however, allergic reactions become worse in these areas, it would be in your best interest to search for hidden mold, and there are several mold removal tips you can use if you find mold growing, or call in a professional.

If you have any questions about mold infestation, allergic mold reactions or want to know about mold removal tips for your residence, count on the professionals at Stern Mold. We are part of the Stern Environmental Group and we have answers to your questions. If you believe there is an allergic reaction to mold in your home, ask for our free mold inspection. We have been serving the New Jersey, New York City, and Long Island area since 1995.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Remediation, Mold Tips, MoldExterm