Category Archives: Mold Treatment

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.

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.

Burger King’s Moldy Burger Highlights Mold Issues

Could Mold be at the Root of Your Strange Symptoms?

Could Mold be at the Root of Your Strange Symptoms?

A picture of a mold-ridden burger seems like an odd way to promote a restaurant. But in a move that’s somewhat counterintuitive to NYC mold removal, Burger King is using this method to sell the virtues of their iconic Whopper.

Fresh Tastes Better

In mid-February, Burger King rolled out a new 45-second commercial that opens with an appetizing picture of their signature burger. Time-lapse photography then documents the sandwich deteriorating into a lumpy, moldy mess over a period of 34 days, as Dinah Washington’s “What a Difference a Day Makes” plays in the background.

So what’s the point? Burger King is showcasing their move to eliminate artificial preservatives, colors and flavors from the Whopper. The plan is currently operational at more than 400 Burger King restaurants in the U.S., with the goal to include all locations in the country by the end of 2020.

Behind the Curve?

When it comes to removing artificial ingredients from fast food, Burger King is actually playing catch-up. Two of their main competitors, McDonald’s and Taco Bell, announced over the last two years they would be stripping artificial flavors, colors and preservatives from some or all of their menu items.

Health experts point out that not all additives are unsafe. They say features such as salt and sugar content, as well as calories, should be the main concern.

Need NYC Mold Removal? Call Stern Mold

Mold in your home is always unacceptable. Contact us to schedule a free mold inspection.

Two Years and $3.6 Million Later, Ice Rink Is Finally Free of Mold

Here are the Tell-Tale Symptoms of Chronic Mold Exposure, be on the Lookout!

Be on the Lookout for Chronic Mold Exposure!

An ice rink may not seem like an obvious place for Manhattan mold removal, but no buildings are immune from infestations. A major university recently learned the hard way how indoor mold can have an extensive and costly ripple effect.

When Mold “Breaks” Ice

The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) has an Olympic-sized ice rink on campus that opened in 1988. According to Mick McComber, director of UMD’s recreational sports program, approximately 90 percent of all students participate in recreational and outdoor activities. The rink received extensive usage for club hockey, figure skating and open skating sessions.

In February 2018, the rink was closed after an annual inspection detected the presence of mold along the roof trusses. UMD senior project manager John Kessler explained that remediation efforts traced the cause of the mold to the HVAC system, which then had to be replaced.

Finally Mold-Free

At the time, UMD was also in the process of moving to an ammonia-based ice plant so they could discontinue use of a previous refrigerant that is now banned. Total bill for the entire project was $3.6 million, which came from a combination of student fees, state money and a loan from the university system. The rink has now been reopened to students, a full two years after the original closure.

Need Manhattan Mold Removal? Call Stern Mold

Avoid lengthy and inconvenient disruptions with our two-step MoldExterm treatment, which is usually completed in one day with no messy, invasive procedures. Contact us to schedule a free mold inspection.

Mold Plagues College Dorms At LSU – What You Should Know

Mold Plagues College Dorms At LSU - What You Should Know

Mold Plagues College Dorms At LSU – What You Should Know

Mold can cause a wide range of health problems, especially for some individuals, so it’s important to have it removed promptly with NYC mold removal services. Unfortunately, mold can show up anywhere, including at schools and universities. Find out more about a recent mold problem at LSU that has been putting students at risk.

Mold Growth at LSU

Some areas of LSU, including the West Campus Apartments, North Hall and South Hall have been dealing with mold problems. These problem started during the fall 2019 semester and have continued to cause problems for students on campus.

One student noticed extensive mold growth in several areas of her room, such as on her mattress and door frame. Her room also felt much more humid than usual.

University staff members are taking steps toward handling these mold growth problems as quickly as possible to keep students safe.

Mold Growth Solutions

Mold problems can get out of control in a short amount of time when they’re not dealt with promptly. To keep you and your family safe, it’s crucial to have mold problems taken care of with professional treatment. This helps ensure that mold growth in your home is completely gone, so that you’ll have a lower risk of health issues.

Mold removal experts can also recommend steps to take to prevent your home from having a mold problem.

If you need NYC mold removal services, please contact Stern Mold today. We can thoroughly eliminate mold from your home or building.

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