Monthly Archives: March 2017

Mold 101: Could Mold Cause Pneumonia or Similar Symptoms?

Could Mold Cause Pneumonia or Similar Symptoms?

Could Mold Cause Pneumonia or Similar Symptoms??

Mold inside your home or business can cause occupants to suffer the same symptoms as the flu and other respiratory allergies. If you are experiencing a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes or a sore throat, you may dismiss these symptoms as seasonal allergies or perhaps the annual flu season. However, it could be a mold allergy.

The Mayo Clinic says that when anyone with a sensitive immune system inhales mold spores, their body releases histamine. This can cause coughing, sneezing, sore chest, and other flu-like symptoms. Mold allergy symptoms can be different for each person and possibly lead to serious illness. If you or anyone you know is experiencing what could be mold allergy symptoms or possibly pneumonia, see a doctor right away. Your doctor will use your medical history, a physical exam, and chest X-ray to diagnose your condition and prescribe treatment.

Diagnosing any type of allergy can be a complex process. It involves allergy testing and identifying the source of the problem. Since the symptoms of mold allergies and other respiratory problems are so similar, doctors may not suspect your building is the source of your health problem initially. If you suspect your building has mold, call one of the top Manhattan mold removal companies for a free inspection. MoldExterm is a quick, cost-effective alternative to traditional mold remediation that does not involve tearing out walls disrupting your business.

If you own a business in New York, New Jersey, or Long Island, don’t take any chances with the health of your employees. Call Stern Mold for an inspection and free consultation. We are one of the top Manhattan mold removal companies.

Mold 101: Treatment Tips for Mold Exposure

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Mold Treatment

Of course, if you ever have an allergic reaction to household mold, your best method of treatment may be to take an anti-histamine and see your local doctor.

So, when it comes to treating mold exposure on certain materials, and getting rid of it, there are several things you can do yourself. However, if the problem is severe, then it’s always best to get professional Manhattan mold remediation.

Here are some tips …

  • On Wood — Generally, unless it has spread everywhere, wood can be cleaned with bleach or a mold removal solution and then allowed to thoroughly dry.
  • On Drywall — Unless the drywall has been painted and the mold is topical, the entire piece or area must be cut out and removed, and a new piece of drywall put in its place. There is no other option because the mold will have tunneled into the porous drywall structure, and it cannot be cleaned or wiped away.
  • On Tile Grout — Bleach or a mold removal solution can be used to clean tile grout and remove the mold, and then ideally, a grout sealer should be applied to seal the pores on the grout to keep mold from coming back.
  • On Carpeting — If the mold is topical on the carpeting, it can be carpet cleaned away. Unfortunately, most mold on carpeting lies deeper within the matting, and when that occurs, the entire area where the mold is present, must be cut out and replaced.

If you have any questions about mold infestation and removal, please call the professionals at Stern Mold. We offer a free mold inspection and are the experts for Manhattan mold remediation.

Mold 101: Mold and Fungi Grow with Mycelium

Not The Fungus You Want

The Similarities

Mold, fungi and mushrooms all have one thing in common. It’s called the mycelium, which is the vegetative or growing body of any given fungus. That may seem strange to understand, so let’s use the common mushroom as an example.

Mushroom Mycelium

Many people think that a mushroom is the entire plant, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, the mushroom is actually the fruit of the mycelium, which grows and thrives beneath the surface of the ground. When two different mycelium meet underground, they join together and produce a fruiting body, in this case a mushroom, and that fruit is what you see above the surface of the ground. The fruiting body produces spores which travel through the air, landing on the ground and growing into new mycelium.

Bathroom Mold Mycelium

Mold, essentially, works the same way as the mushroom. The mycelium looks for cracks and crevices in which to anchor and grow from, which is why the grout on bathroom tile is so appealing.

Once growing, and just like the mushroom, when two mycelium come into contact they send up a fruiting body, but in the case of bathroom mold, these bodies are microscopic. Then again, just like the mushroom, the fruiting bodies send out spores through the air, and the spores will land in other areas and begin to grow.

When it comes to Manhattan mold treatment, Stern Mold is the expert. If you have any questions about black mold, testing and how to get rid of it, please contact us for a free mold inspection. Your Manhattan mold treatment always begins with Stern Mold.

Mold 101: Mold Biology – the Facts for NYC & NJ Residents

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All About Mold

Over the last few years a lot of attention has been paid to mold in homes and businesses in NYC and NJ. But how much do you actually know about mold, other than it’s the green slimy stuff that turns up on dead tree logs?

Your family’s health could depend on your awareness of mold. Here are some facts about mold, how it develops and grows, and how to fight it.

How Does Mold Grow?

Whether it’s called mold or mildew, these tiny organisms are simple life forms that, unlike many plants and other organisms, lack the ability to photosynthesize, which is creating food from carbon dioxide and water. Mold absorbs its nutrients from organic materials like the aforementioned logs or common household surfaces such as carpeting, paper and food products.

Mold spores are present in the atmosphere everywhere, and you come in contact with them daily. Problems arise when a spore settles on a damp surface and begins to multiply. Eventually the mold will appear as a circular spot due to outward growth of the hyphae, which are the filament-like forms taken by the organisms.

Fighting Mold from the Bottom Up

Due to the nature of mold’s life cycle, it’s not enough to clean up an infestation no matter how thoroughly it’s done. The cause of the moisture, whether it’s a water leak or excessive humidity, must be corrected to prevent future developments.

Contact Us for Effective Manhattan Mold Removal and Prevention

Our proprietary two-step MoldExterm Manhattan mold removal process uses a powerful anti-microbial to eliminate mold and leaves a polymer sealer behind to prevent future infestations. Visit our website to learn more.

Mold Awareness and Mold Survivors Facebook Group

Mold Survivors

Social media has made it easier than ever for groups of people with a common interest to “gather” for sharing personal stories and seeking information. The “Toxic Mold Awareness & Survivors Page” on Facebook is dedicated to educating people about the dangers of mold exposure.

Spreading the Word About Toxic Mold Awareness

Many of the page’s posts share news stories and literature about various mold-related topics. Some of the information comes from specialists such as Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker, author of Surviving Mold, and Kurt and Lee Ann Billings, authors of MOLD: The War Within.

Other posted stories have included:

• An article from Fox News about actress Suzanne Somers and her family’s struggle with toxic mold

• A reference article about AAT deficiency, a lung condition that can be aggravated by inhaling mold

In addition, TM Awareness posts valuable tips about general wellness, such as a list of superfoods that can be added to smoothies.

A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words

One of the benefits of social media is the ability to share pictures. Photos posted on the TM Awareness page depict extensive mold infestations in attics, showers and other areas of the home. There’s even a picture of a brand of lip balm that has a known problem of developing mold inside the cap.

Professionally-Trained Technicians Provide NYC Mold Treatment

Toxic mold is a serious problem that requires a serious solution. Our proprietary MoldExterm system is a non-invasive and effective answer for NYC mold treatment. Contact Stern Mold today to learn more about our two-step program that eliminates mold and prevents its return.

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