Tag Archives: Mold and Your Health

Guess What? Black Mold is Not Always Black!

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Information on Black Mold

Information on Black Mold

It might be hard to believe, but it’s true. Black mold isn’t always black. That means it could be lurking in your home right now, completely unidentified, making you and your family sick. It’s important to get the facts about it, and your Manhattan mold removal experts are here to help.

What Kind of Mold is in Your Home?

People often see black-colored mold and assume that it’s toxic when it might not be. There are more than 100,000 mold species, and they come in just about every shape, size and color you can think of. It can be nearly impossible for a layperson to identify whether a certain species is dangerous or not. Doing so requires the help of a professional.

Should You Have Your Home Tested for Black Mold? 

It may surprise you to learn that the CDC recommends not testing for black mold simply because the results may not be accurate. Not only that, but testing isn’t really necessary because the mold will need to be removed regardless of the results. If anything, testing will only slow down the removal process while you wait for results.

When Should You Call For Manhattan Mold Removal?

The best time to call a professional for Manhattan mold removal is when you first spot mold in your home. It might be a minor problem, or it might be a major one. Either way, it doesn’t take long to spread, so taking care of it quickly is important.

At Stern Mold, we offer free inspections. Contact us!

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Tips, News

Can You Test Mold Exposure with a Blood Test?

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Does Mold Exposure Show Up on Blood Tests?

Does Mold Exposure Show Up on Blood Tests?

Black mold could be lurking in your home without you even being aware that it’s there. Maybe you’re showing some of the signs of black mold exposure, but you want to know for sure. There are several ways you can find out, including taking a blood test. Your Manhattan mold removal specialists want to make sure you take good care of your health, so if you’re having a reaction to black mold, you can find out for certain.

Taking a Blood Test for Mold Exposure 

This test is minimally invasive but very informative. Your doctor will need to take a sample of your blood and send it to a lab for testing. They will check to see how the antibodies in your system react to various mold species, black mold included. When they test your blood, they will also look for toxins that indicate mold poisoning.

Getting a Skin Prick Test

Skin prick tests are another way for your doctor to tell if you’re allergic to certain types of mold. They take various types and apply them to the skin using small needles. If you’re allergic to that type of mold, your skin will react by forming a rash or other reaction.

Talk With Your Manhattan Mold Removal Experts

Getting exposed to black mold can lead to all kinds of health issues, including asthma, hair loss, confusion, memory loss, and more. Contact us, your Manhattan mold removal professionals, for assistance with your mold problem. We offer free inspections!

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information, News

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
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