Category Archives: Mold Information

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.

Still Living In The Shadow of Hurricane Sandy? Mold Remains a Huge Problem in New York City

Is Dampness and Mold A Reoccurring Problem for You?

Is Dampness and Mold A Reoccurring Problem for You?

Mold spores are always around, but they’re largely harmless until indoor conditions become excessively damp. Years after Hurricane Sandy, how are NYC public housing residents faring with Manhattan mold removal?

In the Wake of Hurricane Sandy

In 2012, Red Hook Housing in Brooklyn was one of the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) developments hit hardest by Hurricane Sandy. Four years post-storm, a survey of residents in 280 units found that 94 percent had experienced problems with mold, while 40 percent were still struggling with mold.

Unfortunately, mold has been a chronic problem in NYCHA properties. Prior to Hurricane Sandy, roughly 34 percent of Red Hook residents had complaints about mold. This situation is made even more urgent by the fact that nearly one-quarter of Red Hook public housing residents are asthmatic, a rate three times greater than the rest of the zip code.

Tenants Demand Action

Frustrated by lack of response from NYCHA, a tenant’s advocacy group filed a class action lawsuit against the organization in 2013. Terms of the settlement included timelines for addressing and completing repairs along with a 60-day window to follow up on results.

Both parties were back in court two years later over noncompliance with terms of the original suit. The court appointed an official overseer, but organizers for the tenant’s group are seeking a more proactive approach.

Manhattan Mold Removal for All Situations, Big or Small

Contact Stern Mold to schedule a free mold inspection by our friendly and experienced technicians.

When Should Tenants Withold Rent? Does Mold Count?

Should Tenants Pay Rent for Mold-Infested Apartments?

Should Tenants Pay Rent for Mold-Infested Apartments?

When you rent a house or apartment, you have a legal obligation to pay the agreed-upon amount each month. What happens if the landlord doesn’t uphold their end? If your rental home requires Manhattan mold removal, it could impact your responsibilities.

Is Your Home “Livable?”

Each state has laws governing landlord-tenant interactions. All rules incorporate the Warrant of Habitability, which requires landlords to provide housing that meets basic standards of health, safety and other living conditions.

One of the reasons rental properties appeal to tenants is freedom from responsibility for most maintenance and repair issues. If a pipe is leaking or the hot water heater breaks down, it’s up to the landlord to take care of it.

When the Warrant of Habitability Is Broken

Mold infestation, which creates a health risk, may fall under the landlord’s purview. If you need to seek Manhattan mold removal, follow these steps to protect your rights:

• Notify the landlord in writing, text or email.

• Take pictures.

• Allow a reasonable amount of time for resolution, which can vary based on the severity of the problem. The landlord should demonstrate a good-faith effort to correct the situation.

• If the situation reaches a point where withholding a portion of the rent is justified, notify the landlord in writing. Deposit the withheld funds into an escrow account pending legal disposition.

Effective Manhattan Mold Removal for Landlords and Homeowners

Whether you have one property or several, Stern Mold can handle your remediation needs. Contact us for more information.

The Black Menace: What To Know About Black Mold In Buildings

The Black Menace: What To Know About Black Mold In Buildings

The Black Menace: What To Know About Black Mold In Buildings

Preventing a problem is preferable to solving one. Can architects and builders take a proactive approach to NYC mold removal through careful planning? Here’s a look at how mold affects buildings and ways to prevent it.

Health Dangers of Mold

Mold spores are constantly floating in the air. When a spore lands on a surface with a sufficient source of moisture, it begins reproducing and spreading. Once mold gets to a point where the infestation is clearly visible, it’s difficult to remove.

Stachybotrys chartarum, often referred to as black mold, emits mycotoxins that pose a serious health risk. Alternia and other common indoor molds are not considered toxic, but extended exposure can cause allergic reactions and respiratory ailments, especially with children and people with preexisting conditions.

Limiting Moisture: The Key to Mold Prevention

Since moisture is the crucial element for mold development, roofs and walls should be designed to be as waterproof as possible. Buildings should also have plentiful sources of sunshine and natural ventilation to help control humidity levels.

Prevention requires ongoing vigilance. Inspect homes frequently for cracks, leaks, holes and other signs of damage that could result in excess moisture. If mold reaches the advanced stage of infestation, it’s best to seek professional NYC mold removal.

Don’t Let Mold Get You Down!

Mold is no match for our non-intrusive, eco-friendly MoldExterm program. Infestations are removed usually within one day with minimum disruption to you and your family. Contact Stern Mold for a free inspection from our experienced technicians.

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