Tag Archives: Mold Information

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

Why Does Mold Love to Grow in Unheated Houses or Condos?

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

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

Why does mold love to grow in unheated homes and condos? The NYC mold removal experts at Stern Environmental treat a lot of mold issues resulting from this scenario, and we’re here to explain why.

Temperature & Humidity Fluctuations

Although humidity levels are lower in chilly winter weather, certain conditions make your home a breeding ground for mold. One reason for this is the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures. When a cold snap is followed by warmer, more humid weather, condensation forms when warm humid air contacts cold surfaces.

Leaks

Moisture from the bath or kitchen, or that permeates the house from the crawlspace or through leaks around windows and doors, can build up in your home, leading to ideal mold-growth conditions.

Omnipresent Food

Mold can feed on any organic material, from leftover crumbs on the counter to clothing, upholstery, and even furniture. When mold spores, which are everywhere, land on these materials, they set up residence.

What Does that Have to Do with Not Having a Heating System?

Heating and cooling systems do two things to control mold in your home:

1. They increase circulation to prevent moisture from appearing on your walls. 

2. They reduce humidity levels in your home as part of their normal operation. 

Without the circulation and dehumidification provided by a home air conditioning system, it’s easy for mold to quickly get out of control.

Give mold the boot. Take back your home with the help of the NYC mold removal experts at Stern Mold today.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, News

How Do Mold Spores Get in the Air?

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How Do Mold Spores Get in the Air?

How Do Mold Spores Get in the Air?

Mold spores pose a double threat to homes and businesses. Spores are the vehicles by which mold grows and colonizes as well as the trigger for allergic reactions. Here’s a look at how mold spores get in the air and why controlling spores is important for Manhattan mold removal.

Mold Spores Are Everywhere

While mold spores aren’t visible to the naked eye, they constantly surround us indoors and out. Outdoor spores aren’t generally a cause for concern except during summer months, but prolonged exposure to indoor spores can pose a health risk any  time of year.

Controlling Mold Spore Levels

It’s not possible to eliminate all indoor mold spores. Since mold growth generates more spores, preventing infestations will keep spores at a manageable level.

Moisture is key to mold growth. Once a spore lands on a spot of moisture, it begins reproducing immediately. Be proactive by repairing leaks, cleaning up floods and spills and reducing the amount of humidity.

If you do find mold in your home or business, cleaning it up is only part of the solution. Determine what created the conditions for mold development, such as a leaky pipe or poor ventilation, and take appropriate steps to correct the problem.

Turn to Stern Mold for Safe and Effective Manhattan Mold Removal

Put an end to mold with our two-step MoldExterm program which removes infestations and leaves a barrier to prevent reoccurrences. Contact Stern Mold today for a free inspection by our cheerful and experienced Manhattan mold removal experts.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information, Mold Tips, News

Untreated Workplace Mold? What to Know to Prevent a Lawsuit!

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Mold in the Workplace Can Affect Workers' Health

Mold in the Workplace Can Affect Workers’ Health

As an employer or landlord, you have a responsibility to maintain safe conditions for employees and tenants. Mold and mold-related illnesses have become the focus of an increasing number of lawsuits, making Manhattan mold removal imperative. What can you do to protect employees and tenants while reducing liability?

Preventing Mold in Commercial Buildings

Mold spores surround us constantly, both indoors and out. Problems arise with extended exposure to large concentrations of indoor mold growth.

• Stay vigilant for signs of mold. Infestations may not always be visible, so your first clue may be a persistent musty smell. You should also investigate if people begin complaining about chronic symptoms such as sneezing, coughing and fatigue.

• Removing visible mold isn’t enough. Identify and resolve the cause, whether it’s leaky pipes, poor construction or excess humidity.

• Keep employees or tenants informed about steps you’re taking to remediate mold. Failure to disclose can cause reduction in morale and productivity while reflecting negatively on you in any possible legal action.

• Mold isn’t always covered by insurance. Check your policy, and if mold isn’t included, ask about purchasing additional coverage.

• If you’re doing any construction or renovations, review contracts to ensure contractors and subcontractors are liable for any defects that may cause mold.

Safe and Effective Manhattan Mold Removal

Stern Mold provides eco-friendly, non-intrusive removal of infestations while treating the conditions that cause mold growth. Contact us to schedule a free mold inspection by our professional Manhattan mold removal team.

Posted in Mold Information, Mold Law, News
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