Tag Archives: Mold Control

Dehumidifiers and Mold Control – What to Know

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What Does Humidity Have to Do With Mold?

What Does Humidity Have to Do With Mold? 

Mold is plentiful and common. One-in-three residential and commercial buildings offer an ideal environment for mold growth, making mold control measures such as dehumidifiers a popular addition. How much do dehumidifiers help in the mold prevention battle? The Manhattan mold removal experts offer this advice.

Low Relative Humidity Thwarts Mold Growth

Dehumidifiers work by pulling moisture from surrounding air. To prevent mold from growing and spreading, a RH humidity level at or below 50% is essential. However, a low RH won’t kill mold that has already grown.

What Happens to Existing Mold at Low RH?

Below 50% RH, mold remains dormant and does not spread. To get rid of it permanently, however, you must remove or destroy mold in addition to using a dehumidifier to keep RH low. 

Once mold has been treated, adding a dehumidifier after treatment will prevent future growth in susceptible environments.

Buyer Beware: Dehumidifiers Can Foster Mold Growth without Proper Care

Dehumidifiers are a great tool for preventing mold growth. However, they require regular cleaning, particularly portable models. The reservoir of portable models, which collects moisture pulled from the air, must be regularly emptied and cleaned per the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent mold and mildew growth in the tank. For this reason, some prefer whole house dehumidifying systems. Though higher in cost, this style of dehumidifier requires less maintenance, incorporating into your HVAC system and including a drainage system.

Don’t let mold problems grow on you. Contact the Manhattan mold removal services of Stern Mold today.

Posted in Mold Information, Mold Remediation, News

Mold Exposure: How Much is Too Much?

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Mold Exposure: How Much is Too Much?

Mold Exposure: How Much is Too Much?

Mold can be found everywhere, just like bacteria and other microorganisms. The problem with mold exposure is when there are certain species present, the quantity gets out of control, or spores get agitated and enter the air we breathe. Our Manhattan mold removal team has found entire walls and ceilings infested with mold inside and out.

The CDC warns that mold and dampness go hand-in-hand. Control humidity and repair leaks immediately for the best chances of stopping mold exposure in your building.

How Does Mold Affect Health?

Breathing in mold is a lot like getting stung by a bee. Nobody enjoys it, some people are very bothered by it, and a few people are allergic.

Mold has been conclusively linked to health problems including:

– Upper respiratory problems

– Coughing, wheezing, and sneezing

– Constant or recurring colds

– Pneumonitis

– Asthma aggravation

– Development of asthma

Additionally, research suggests that mold can cause memory loss, lung hemorrhages, and other serious illnesses.

Mold in Damp Homes and Buildings

The health problems from mold exposure have also been connected to damp indoor environments. That’s no surprise because mold needs moisture to grow and spread.

For the best results, use Manhattan mold removal services that take a multi-pronged approach. Remember, mold spores are everywhere. You need to seal surfaces and fix leaks and moisture sources or else the problem could come back.

Stern Mold uses a polymer sealant so spores cannot regrow months or even years after we leave. We also use dehumidifiers and ventilation systems. Our mold removal experts can provide further advice for preventing mold exposure in the future.

For a free quote for Manhattan mold removal, call 888-887-8376.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information

Roof Leaks at Local High School Raise Mold Concerns

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Rockland County, New York’s Ramapo High School is not having a winning year. Staff, students, and parents are all concerned about mold and fungus resulting from a leaky roof.

Keeping matters contained
Garbage cans are currently being used to contain the leaks, affecting two classrooms that have been closed off for the time being. Students and substitute teachers have complained of a bad smell emanating from the area. A district representative noted the two rooms affected have been isolated, but students and staff report a hall with the same issues still remains open and used.

“Deplorable” conditions…
State Senator David Carlucci toured the school Monday, February 1st after receiving multiple emails and calls from concerned parents. He noted dampness and odor, referring to the conditions at the school as “deplorable.” Carlucci posted photos of the damage on Twitter and took the matter to Albany this week in an effort to secure emergency funding for repairs.

Why the wait?
Dennis Walcott, appointed monitor for the school district due to internal fighting, stated residents voted down a bond proposal last year that could have covered the repairs, estimated at $1 million. The defeat of the proposal left the school sans-funds, and the recent blizzard added insult to injury with the weight of snow destroying previous patchwork and exacerbating leaks.

Ongoing problems
Air samples were taken the same day the senator visited. Results are still pending. The affected wing remains open for classes despite the issue. The school has previous citations from the state’s Department of Labor for mold and vermin.

Don’t live with the threat of mold and fungus. Schedule your free mold inspection with Stern Mold today.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification, News