Monthly Archives: December 2019

Is It Possible You Are Allergic to Mold in Your Co-op?

Posted on by
Mold in the Workplace Can Affect Workers' Health

Mold in the Workplace Can Affect Workers’ Health

Co-ops are multi-dwelling housing units in which the owner buys shares in a corporation rather than actual property. In Manhattan, unlike most of the country, co-ops outnumber condos approximately three to one. Here’s why Manhattan mold removal is just as important in a co-op as in other housing options.

Are You Allergic to Mold?

While mold is visually unpleasant, it poses a more serious problem as a health risk. Inhaling mold spores, which are always present in the air around us, frequently triggers allergic reactions. Outdoor allergies are usually confined to certain seasons, but indoor mold makes allergies a year-round problem.

Water is a vital element of mold growth, so infestations may develop any place where spores can land on a moist surface. In a co-op, kitchens and bathrooms are primary sites of indoor mold.

Signs of Mold Allergies

Symptoms of mold allergies are similar to those of other types of allergies. When mold spores are inhaled, they irritate sensitive tissues in nasal passages, causing upper respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes and sinus congestion.

Prolonged exposure to mold can cause symptoms even in people with no history of allergies. If symptoms tend to subside when you’re away from your co-op, chances are good they’re caused by mold.

Manhattan Mold Removal for Co-ops by Stern Mold

Our MoldExterm program is an effective and non-intrusive remediation method for residential and commercial buildings. Mold doesn’t have to be visible to be present. Contact us to schedule a free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Treatment, News

Medical Effects of Black Mold Exposure

Posted on by
Mold May Affect Your Lungs

Mold May Affect Your Lungs

Your Manhattan mold removal experts know all about the risks and medical effects of black mold. It is extremely dangerous, and is much more prevalent than people think. If you have a problem with black mold in your home, it’s important to know the effects it can have on your body.

Why is Black Mold Dangerous?

People have long believed that black mold can lead to cancer or other lung diseases. But the most recent research has determined that’s not true at all. Black mold is actually a term that people use to describe various types of mold that appear black in color. But black mold is the worst of the several dark varieties.

Black mold can be toxic to those who are highly sensitive to mold spores. Mycotoxicosis – or mold poisoning – is also a concern. Other health problems people can experience include:

• Major mood swings

• Painful headaches

*Loss of memory

• Nosebleeds

• Aches and pains in the body

Black Mold, Allergies and Breathing Problems

People often have allergic reactions to black mold, which can lead to serious breathing problems and a range of other symptoms, such as:

• Wheezing

• Skin rashes

• Sinusitis

• A runny or stuffed nose

• Sore throat

• Watery or red eyes

Contact Us for Manhattan Mold Removal

Black mold is a cause for concern, and you’re right to want to get rid of it immediately. Your Manhattan mold removal specialists at Stern Mold are here to help you, and our methods are proven to be effective. Contact us today.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information, News

More Health Impacts of Living with Mold

Posted on by
Respiratory System Irritation from Continued Toxic Mold Exposure

Respiratory System Irritation from Continued Toxic Mold Exposure

Mold is an inescapable part of our surroundings, indoors and outdoors. It may look harmless, but extended exposure to mold in the confined space of a home or building can pose real health risks. Our Manhattan mold removal experts share information about the various effects of mold on your health.

Mold-Related Allergies and Illnesses

When mold spores are inhaled, they can irritate linings in the nasal passages. The result is allergic reactions such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and other upper respiratory symptoms. Severity of the reactions depends on the sensitivity of the affected individual, although people who have been allergy-free can develop symptoms after prolonged exposure to mold.

People with compromised immune systems or pre-existing respiratory ailments are particularly vulnerable to mold-related illnesses. These individuals may experience asthma attacks or opportunistic infections like aspergillosis, which causes fungus balls to develop in the lungs.

Mycotoxins and mVOCs

Some types of mold produce metabolites known as mycotoxins which can be ingested via inhalation or contact with the skin. While studies are ongoing, mycotoxins from mold have been linked to adverse symptoms.

Microbial volatile organic compounds, or mVOCs, are a byproduct of mold metabolism released directly into the air. mVOCs are suspected to cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue and nausea.

Protect Your Health with Manhattan Mold Removal by Stern Mold

Don’t wait until mold affects the health of you and your family or employees. Contact us today to schedule a free mold inspection by our friendly and experienced Manhattan mold removal team.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information, News

Winter Mold Prevention Tips

Posted on by
Are Mold Allergies More Prevalent in the Winter?

Are Mold Allergies More Prevalent in the Winter?

When it comes to NYC mold removal, there’s no off-season. Winter dampness plus less ventilation equals prime conditions for mold spores to grow and multiply. Use these helpful tips to keep indoor mold infestations at bay during the winter months.

Tips to Prevent Winter Mold Growth

• Keep air circulating, especially in kitchens and bathrooms where mold growth is common. Install and use ventilation fans and open a window briefly as needed.

• Inspect the basement for cracked or damaged mortar that can allow water to seep in.

• If your home has a crawlspace, spread heavy roofing paper or polyethylene plastic film over the soil to create a moisture barrier.

• Add insulation to pipes to prevent cracking or bursting. If a pipe does break, turn off the water flow and have it repaired immediately.

• Double-check door and window seals to make sure they’re in good condition.

• Condensation on doors, windows and walls is a red flag indicating excess moisture. Dry the area thoroughly and address the source of the dampness, whether it’s broken pipes or high humidity levels.

• If your home experiences flooding, disconnect all electronic equipment and remove as much standing water as possible.

• Dispose of moldy items in a sealed bag to prevent mold spores from dispersing.

Effective NYC Mold Removal for All Seasons

Cleaning mold is only part of the solution. Stern Mold uses MoldExterm, a unique two-step program that removes mold and prevents it from returning. Contact us to schedule a free mold inspection and learn more about MoldExterm.

Posted in Mold Remediation, Mold Tips, News
Recent Entries »