Monthly Archives: June 2018

Is It Mold or Mildew? Part One

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Is It Mold or Mildew?

Is It Mold or Mildew?

When it comes to ridding homes of unsightly fungi attacking the structure, some homeowners are asking is it mold or mildew that’s discoloring my walls? There’s a difference and NJ mold removal specialists are experts at identifying the source and eliminating the problem.

Mold or Mildew – Which is It?

If you have discoloration in areas of the home that may have moisture issues such as around leaky pipes under the sink or in the laundry room, mold will appear as irregular spot patterns and in living colors such as gray, black, green, brown, blue, white, or yellow. It could also have a slimy appearance. You may see this on ceilings where there may be a roof leak or on drywall exposed to moisture.

Mildew fungus is usually colored in gray, white or yellow and lying atop a moist surface. You can see evidence of this on plant leaves. Over time, it, too, will turn brown or black in color. Its texture is fluffy or has a powdery effect.

Health Effects

Mildew creates airborne spores that may cause coughing, respiratory problems, sore throat, and headaches when inhaled.

Mold, along with the potential for structural damage, can cause asthma attacks, migraines, dizziness, fatigue, skin irritations, sneezing, and allergic reactions, to name just a few. Over time, the mycotoxins produced by mold can have long-term effects on health.

At Stern Mold, our business is detecting problems with mold and mildew in your home and providing remediation services to re-establish a safe and easy-breathing environment. If you’re experiencing this problem, contact us and we’ll send one of our NJ mold removal technicians to your home for a free inspection.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, Mold Remediation, News

Center for Disease Control Facts – Fungus Infections and Mold Exposure

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Mold spores can cause health concerns.

Mold spores can cause health concerns.

When you have mold growing in your home or business, it can become a serious health problem. Mold exposures and fungal infections can result in severe illnesses if a mold problem isn’t handled promptly and thoroughly. Find out more about why it’s so important to have Manhattan mold removal done as soon as possible if you have mold.

Mold Exposures and Toxicity

According to the CDC, mold is very common in residential and commercial buildings, especially when there is plenty of moisture. However, mold itself is not toxic. Under certain conditions, molds can produce toxins, which is when health problems can occur. Individuals who have the highest risk of experiencing serious health issues are those with allergies, asthma or other respiratory conditions and those with a weakened immune system.

Fungal Infections

Mold can cause several different fungal infections when people are exposed to it. These include aspergillosis, blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, cryptococcis, histoplasmosis and sporotrichosis. Many of these infections can cause respiratory symptoms, such as a cough, along with other signs of illness.

Severe cases can cause chest pain, coughing up blood or other serious symptoms that require prompt medical care. Individuals who have symptoms of a fungal infection from mold exposure should see their doctor to ensure that they receive treatment. Mold removal also needs to be done in order to prevent more infections or complications from occurring.

Don’t let a mold problem cause health issues in your home or business. Contact Stern Mold for more information on our Manhattan mold removal services. We can eliminate mold from your building safely to lower the risk of exposure and infections.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information, NYC Mold Removal

Center for Disease Control – Tips on Mold Control

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Protect your Health from Dangerous Molds That May be in Your Home.

Protect your Health from Getting Dangerous Molds.

Indoor mold can cause major health problems. People who are highly sensitive to mold spores can have allergic reactions just from touching or inhaling mold spores. There is strong evidence that long-term exposure to mold can cause asthma.

People already diagnosed with asthma should avoid contact with mold spores because it is likely to cause an asthma attack. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has some helpful information on controlling mold.

Control moisture to control mold

Mold colonies begin when a tiny mold spore lands on a damp area of an organic material. To continue growing and spreading, the mold needs a food source like drywall paper or wood, the right temperature range (about 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit), and continued moisture.

To prevent mold growth inside a building or effectively eliminate an existing mold problem, you must control moisture. Any leaks should be fixed and cleaned up as quickly as possible.

Keep humidity levels in your home as low as you can. You can purchase a meter to measure indoor humidity at your local home improvement store. Ideally, the level should be lower than 50 percent. A dehumidifier can help keep the level low. Proper air flow and exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom are essential to removing moist air.

If your home has mold

Traditional NJ mold removal methods are messy, time-consuming, and expensive. The MoldExterm method can typically be completed in one day for much less than traditional NJ mold removal. We also provide a comprehensive warranty of our work. Contact Stern Mold to schedule a free mold inspection and consultation with one of our courteous and professional technicians.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information
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