Monthly Archives: June 2016

Is It Mold? Is It Mildew? How to Tell

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Mold Anatomy

The Difference Between Mold And Mildew

Some types of fungi, mold and mildew share a “family” resemblance. So when you discover a suspicious patch in your home, how can you tell which one it is?

Differences between Mold and Mildew

Telltale clues in appearance help to distinguish between mold and mildew.

• Mildew usually starts out white or yellow, changing to brown or black over time. Mold can be found in a wide range of colors, including pink, green, brown, black and grey.

• If a patch of fungus is powdery or downy to the touch, it’s most likely mildew. Mold, on the other hand, has a fuzzy texture.

• Mildew grows in a flat pattern, while mold is hyphae-shaped, which means it’s constructed from several minute filaments.

• Mold is usually found on organic materials such as wood and paper, and both fungi can grow on materials like carpeting, clothing and shower curtains that are in damp areas. Mildew also feeds on host plants such as corn and rice.

Mildew vs. Mold Treatment

Mold and mildew both cause upper-respiratory problems, but mold includes a substance called mycotoxins that can result in more serious allergic reactions. Also, if left untreated mold can lead to structural damage as it feeds on various building materials.

Mildew can often be treated with an over-the-counter cleaning agent or a solution of bleach and water. Due to mold’s more destructive nature, professional mold treatment is highly recommended.

Safe and Effective Mold Treatment in NYC and Northern NJ

Stern Mold provides an eco-friendly mold treatment that can usually be completed within one day. Visit our website to learn more about why our proprietary MoldExterm process is the superior solution to your mold problem.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification, News

Mold 101: What Is a Mycotoxin from Mold?

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Close-up of Mold Mycellium

Close-up of Mold Mycellium

Much of the risk associated with indoor infestations of mold and fungus is due to substances called mycotoxins. You probably recognize that the root word “toxin” refers to poison, but what else do you need to know about these potentially harmful substances?

How Mycotoxins are Ingested

Mycotoxins are invisible to the naked eye. They can be as small as 0.1 microns, making them even more microscopic than mold spores, which range from one to 20 microns. Their minute size and airborne nature make it impossible to create an effective barrier.

Most mycotoxins enter through the respiratory system, where they can cause problems ranging from sneezing and coughing to asthma attacks. Others pass through skin or the membranes of the eyes, while toxic mold on crops can result in people or animals ingesting mycotoxins via food.

Treating Mycotoxins

You may hear talk about killing mycotoxins, but they are not living organisms, so the process really involves breaking down mycotoxins and neutralizing their toxicity.

• Bleach that includes five percent sodium hypochlorite kills some of the more common mycotoxins, including trichothecene and aflatoxin.

• The intense heat of fire can destroy mycotoxins. At 500°F, detoxification takes 30 minutes.

• Ozone is effective against most mycotoxins, but it requires a level that is unsafe for humans.

Mycotoxins will eventually break down on their own, but it can take several years for some varieties.

Traditional mold remediation can disperse spores and mycotoxins into the air, allowing them to settle and take hold in other areas. Our MoldExterm process removes mold and fungus quickly and efficiently while preventing future outbreaks. Contact Stern Mold today for a free mold inspection.

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

What Does Toxic Mold Look Like?

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Don't let your home become a petri dish.

Don’t let your home become a petri dish.

There are many different types of mold and most of them are not a problem. But toxic black mold is, and here is what it looks like and where you’ll find it.

Black Mold

Black mold can be in streaks, clumps or patches. It may first appear to look like black dirt, black ink or black paint, which smears easily if wiped with a rag. When dried, it looks like flaky black dandruff and it will either be in large pieces or tiny spots.

Where to Find It

Toxic black mold needs moisture to survive. Which means you are most often going to find it in bathrooms, laundry rooms, around pools and spas, and even basements or crawl spaces that have high humidity.

Leaky pipes that drip or spray, are also prime areas for black mold, especially where it has been undetected and going on for a long time, like in closets, cabinets or under counters.

Another prime area is from dripping room air conditioners. These drips can get behind walls and paneling, and cause a major toxic black mold infestation that you may not even realize you have until it’s too late.

Mold Treatment

Mold treatment is a top priority for any toxic black mold infestation. If you have noticed toxic black mold, don’t take any chances. Just rely on the professionals at Stern Mold to rid your house or home of toxic black mold. We’re 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, Mold Identification, Mold Tips, Mold Treatment
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