Category Archives: Mold Identification

Why is Breathing In Mold Spores Bad for You?

Are Mold Spores in the Air of Your Home?

Are Mold Spores in the Air of Your Home?

“Out of sight, out of mind” definitely doesn’t apply to mold spores. Our Manhattan mold removal team explains why you should be concerned about these microscopic particles floating around unseen.

Mold Spores: The Invisible Enemy

While they’re invisible to the naked eye, mold spores and construction dust are always present in the air. They may seem harmless, but the World Health Organization found enough reason to establish guidelines for indoor air quality.

Health Risks of Exposure to Mold Spores

Studies have shown a connection between exposure to dust and mold spores and ailments that affect both physical and mental health.

• Respiratory issues are the most common reaction to mold spores. People report chronic sneezing, coughing and other upper respiratory symptoms, even if they haven’t suffered from allergies in the past. More serious illnesses include aspergillosis, an infection that can cause fungus balls to develop in the lungs.

• Digestive issues are usually associated with eating moldy food, but mold spores have been known to trigger nausea, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems. In some cases, the immune system response may alter metabolism, actually leading to weight gain.

Sadness and depression may not be directly caused by mold spores, but these conditions are often experienced by people dealing with a serious mold problem.

Call Stern Mold for Prompt and Effective Manhattan Mold Removal

Our MoldExterm program eliminates mold while addressing the conditions that cause mold to develop. Contact us to schedule a free inspection by our Manhattan mold removal experts.

Why Is Getting Rid of Mold Spores So Important?

Mold Spores and Your Health

Mold Spores and Your Health

You may recognize the visual signs of a mold infestation, but what about the part you can’t see? Here’s a look at why mold spores are an important factor in NYC mold removal.

How Mold Growth Develops

Mold spores are less than half the width of a human hair. As a result, even though you’re constantly surrounded by mold spores, you’re rarely aware of them.

In most cases, mold spores drift harmlessly around us. Problems arise when spores land on a surface where moisture is present. The spores begin generating hyphae, which are filaments that absorb nutrients, allowing the mold to establish a foothold.

Dangers of Mold Spores

Once a mold colony develops, the concentration of spores can lead to health problems. As the spores are ingested through breathing, over time they will lead to irritation of the respiratory system. Even people without existing allergies can experience symptoms such as sneezing, coughing and itchy eyes.

Since it’s not possible to completely eliminate mold spores, the answer lies in controlling conditions that favor mold growth. This means treating the source of the excess moisture, whether it’s leaky pipes or high humidity.

DIY methods of mold removal often serve only to further disperse mold spores. Professional NYC mold removal experts have the equipment and know-how to effectively eliminate all traces.

State-of-the-Art NYC Mold Removal

Our proprietary MoldExterm program is an eco-friendly, non-intrusive way to remove mold and prevent it from returning. Contact Stern Mold to learn more.

Take Moldy Smells Seriously – It’s Your First Sign Something Is Wrong

Are Mold Spores in the Air of Your Home?

Are Mold Spores in the Air of Your Home?

Don’t assume that dank, musty odor is from damp towels. Even if there are no visible signs, moldy smells can send an alarm that your home is in need of NYC mold removal.

Why Mold Smells Funny

Mold emits mVOCs, or microbial volatile organic compounds, that produce a distinctly unpleasant odor. Think of a locker room or a waterfront cottage that’s been closed up for a lengthy period. Airborne spores may also cause mild irritation in your nostrils.

Those mVOCs causing that rank smell can also trigger upper-respiratory symptoms including sneezing, itchy eyes and coughing. People with pre-existing lung conditions or weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable.

Tracking Down Moldy Odors

Once you identify the room where the moldy smell is strongest, the next step is to zero in on the specific culprit. Areas with excess moisture, such as leaky pipes, are likely candidates. Other possible sources include:

• Clothes washers and dishwashers

• Towels, shower curtains and bathmats

• Secondhand purchases, such as furniture or clothing

• Soil in potted plants

• Garbage cans and wastebaskets

• Pet bedding

Professional NYC mold removal will eliminate the infestation, but you can take steps to get rid of the smell:

• Open windows and turn on a fan.

• Put out open containers of white vinegar or baking soda.

• Wash fabrics in hot water.

Stern Mold: Experienced and Professional NYC Mold Removal

Don’t struggle with mold removal on your own. Contact us to schedule a free mold inspection by our cheerful and knowledgeable technicians.

Most Frequent Causes of Mold and What to Do About It

What Should You Do To Prevent Mold From Growing In Your Home

What Should You Do To Prevent Mold From Growing In Your Home

A vital element in NYC mold removal is determining the cause of the infestation. Water is essential to mold growth, so the problem almost always involves excess moisture. Here are the three most common causes of mold in NYC apartments.

1. Exterior Leaks

Plumbing in your apartment may be fine, but broken pipes or overflows in neighboring units may not be immediately evident. In the meantime, moisture seeps into your apartment, triggering mold growth. Plastic water supply lines to sinks and toilets, which are more often found in newer buildings, are the most frequent culprit.

2. Blocked PTACs

Packaged terminal air conditioners, or PTACs, are all-in-one units that control heating and cooling in many apartments and condominiums. Landlords, who are responsible for maintenance of PTACs in rental properties, often don’t know they require twice-yearly servicing.

If PTAC filters aren’t replaced often enough, dust collects in the drain of the condensate pan. As a result, overflow from the pan leaks onto the floor below, but at such a slow rate that it goes undiscovered for a long time.

3. Broken Washing Machine Hose

Stainless-steel-wrapped washing machine hoses are sturdy and relatively inexpensive. Unfortunately, in many cases rubber washing machine hoses, which have a tendency to break, are used instead.

NYC Mold Removal for Apartments and Condominiums

In multi-family residential buildings, mold infestations can have a ripple effect. Contact Stern Mold for a free mold inspection and consultation with our professional NYC mold removal technicians.

Is There Mold In Your Washer? Here’s How To Identify And Get Rid of It

Is There Mold In Your Washer? Here's How To Identify And Get Rid of It

Is There Mold In Your Washer? Here’s How To Identify And Get Rid of It

Mold problems can lurk in places that you might not expect, like inside your washing machine. Water, laundry detergent and fabric softeners can all contribute to the growth of mold.

If you’ve never cleaned the inside of your washing machine, you could have a mold problem without realizing it. Your Manhattan mold removal experts want to help you identify it, get rid of it, and keep mold away for good.

Identifying a Mold Problem in Your Washer

The most obvious sign of a mold problem in your washer might be the smell. Your washer may take on the smell of rotten eggs, and eventually, that odor can make its way into your clothes as well. If you only use the cold water setting on your machine, you have an even greater chance of having mold.

Getting Rid of Mold in Your Washing Machine

If you think you have a mold problem, follow these steps to remove it.

• You’ll need rubber gloves, an old towel and either bleach and hot water or vinegar and hot water (never mix vinegar and bleach).

• Use the old towel to clean the entire inside of the machine.

• Run a wash cycle on the hottest setting using either vinegar or bleach.

• Wipe down the inside of the machine and leave it open to finish air-drying.

Preventing Mold Growth in Your Washer

A quick wipe-down is all that you need to keep your washer mold-free. For any other mold problems, contact your Manhattan mold removal specialists for assistance.

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