Tag Archives: Mold Treatment

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

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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.

Posted in Mold Information, Mold Treatment, News

Burger King’s Moldy Burger Highlights Mold Issues

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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.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Treatment, News

When Should Tenants Withold Rent? Does Mold Count?

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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.

Posted in Mold Information, News

Bronx Family Diagnosed with Mold Poisoning after Battle with Landlord

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Mold Poisoning Is Life Threatening! Keep Your Loved Ones Safe

Mold Poisoning Is Life Threatening! Keep Your Loved Ones Safe

Mold inside the walls and other areas of apartments is a serious problem that can put residents’ health at risk. This is why it’s so important to have professional Manhattan mold removal services done as quickly as possible when there are any signs of mold. One family in the Bronx is currently facing health issues due to mold in their apartment.

Mold Toxicity

A Bronx family with young children has been dealing with mold toxicity after being exposed to mold in their apartment. The family has been battling their landlord in order to have the mold removed, but the process has been a slow one.

The landlord claimed that there was no mold inside, while an independent investigation showed mold inside the air ducts. The children in this family had symptoms of mold toxicity, including itchy skin and even green mold growing out of one child’s ear. The family is still trying to get the landlord to have their mold problem treated.

How to Handle a Mold Problem

Mold problems need to be professionally handled for effective results. Having this done sooner instead of later helps lower the risk of having mold toxicity and other health problems. Keep in mind that mold can easily grow in out-of-reach areas, such as inside walls or air ducts.

If you need Manhattan mold removal services for your building, please contact Stern Mold right away. We offer reliable, safe and effective treatment to eliminate mold from residential and commercial buildings.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information, News

Fast Food: Mold Finds Home In Soda Dispenser and Soda Lids At a Fast Food Eatery

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Get a Bottle of Water Instead of Soda the Next Time You Order Drive-Through.

Get a Bottle of Water Instead of Soda the Next Time You Order Drive-Through.

Mold isn’t just something you have to worry about inside your walls. This kind of fungus can make its way into more unusual places as long as there’s enough humidity for it to thrive. In fact, some restaurants have been found to have mold growing inside equipment, which could put customers and employees at risk.

Mold in Restaurants

Where might mold be growing inside dining establishments? Investigators in Columbia, MO found mold growing inside soda dispensers and soda lids at a Wendy’s. This happened due to a fluid line leak, which set up the right conditions for mold to grow.

When dining areas aren’t cleaned and checked regularly, mold colonies can establish to grow. This particular Wendy’s also had mold behind wallpaper in the front area. So, whether mold is inside equipment or in the walls, its presence in restaurants can quickly turn into a serious public health issue that needs to be dealt with right away.

What to Do About Mold

Mold can lead to health issues for some people if it’s left unchecked. Professional NYC mold removal services will eliminate it from residential and commercial buildings, so it can’t grow and thrive. Having professionals treat your home or business for mold is important, since this requires having the right kind of equipment and technique. Otherwise, mold can keep growing and cause a more widespread problem.

If you need NYC mold removal services for your home or business, contact Stern Mold as soon as you can.

Posted in Mold Information, MoldExterm, News
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