Category Archives: Mold & Your Health

What You Must Know About Mold Spores

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Got Toxic Mold? Do You Have Enough for a Lawsuit?

Got Toxic Mold? What You Need to Know.

Everyone recognizes mold as a fungus found on dead plants and trees, but how much do you know about the effects of mold that finds its way indoors? Here’s a look at the role of mold spores and the importance of NYC mold removal.

How Mold Spores Function

Mold spores are the vehicles by which mold reproduces. While they’re similar in concept to a plant seed, they don’t contain pre-formed embryos. The dusty appearance of mold colonies is due to proliferation of spores on the surface.

Since mold spores are present indoors and outdoors, we inhale them every day. Concentrations are lower outdoors, so spores generally don’t pose a problem. Health risks arise from prolonged exposure to spores indoors, where space is constricted and air has less opportunity to circulate.

Control Mold Growth to Reduce Mold Spores

While it’s impossible to completely eliminate mold spores, controlling mold growth will keep them at a manageable level. Moisture is essential for mold to grow, so it’s imperative to keep indoor humidity low and immediately repair broken pipes or any conditions causing excessive moisture.

Approximately 20 percent of people are allergic to mold and suffer from symptoms such as sneezing, scratchy throat and watery eyes, known collectively as hay fever. Outdoor mold triggers allergies mainly during summer, whereas allergic reactions to indoor mold occur year-round.

Need NYC Mold Removal? Contact Stern Mold

Our MoldExterm program removes mold safely and effectively while creating a barrier to future growth. Contact us today for more information.

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

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

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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

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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

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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

How Do Mold Spores Get in the Air?

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How Do Mold Spores Get in the Air?

How Do Mold Spores Get in the Air?

Mold spores pose a double threat to homes and businesses. Spores are the vehicles by which mold grows and colonizes as well as the trigger for allergic reactions. Here’s a look at how mold spores get in the air and why controlling spores is important for Manhattan mold removal.

Mold Spores Are Everywhere

While mold spores aren’t visible to the naked eye, they constantly surround us indoors and out. Outdoor spores aren’t generally a cause for concern except during summer months, but prolonged exposure to indoor spores can pose a health risk any  time of year.

Controlling Mold Spore Levels

It’s not possible to eliminate all indoor mold spores. Since mold growth generates more spores, preventing infestations will keep spores at a manageable level.

Moisture is key to mold growth. Once a spore lands on a spot of moisture, it begins reproducing immediately. Be proactive by repairing leaks, cleaning up floods and spills and reducing the amount of humidity.

If you do find mold in your home or business, cleaning it up is only part of the solution. Determine what created the conditions for mold development, such as a leaky pipe or poor ventilation, and take appropriate steps to correct the problem.

Turn to Stern Mold for Safe and Effective Manhattan Mold Removal

Put an end to mold with our two-step MoldExterm program which removes infestations and leaves a barrier to prevent reoccurrences. Contact Stern Mold today for a free inspection by our cheerful and experienced Manhattan mold removal experts.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information, Mold Tips, News
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