Tag Archives: Where Mold Can Be

The CDC Weighs in on the Problem with Mold

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CDC Weighs in on Mold

CDC Weighs in on Mold

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the preeminent organization in the United States devoted to protecting the nation from health and safety risks. Mold is considered such a serious threat that they have devoted an entire section of their website to facts and prevention tips.

Here is some of the helpful information CDC provides about the problem of mold and its impact on your health:

• Mold can be found everywhere. Thousands of species are present both indoors and outdoors, primarily in warm and damp locations, although spores can survive inhospitable conditions.

• Moisture is the primary culprit behind indoor mold. You can reduce the risk of mold infestation by controlling humidity, repairing leaks promptly and keeping damp areas well-ventilated.

• Exposure to mold can trigger upper-respiratory allergic reactions, although you don’t have to specifically suffer from allergies to experience health problems. Symptoms include nasal congestion, coughing and wheezing, and sore throat.

• While Stern Mold offers northern NJ and NYC free mold inspections, it’s not necessary or even recommended to identify the particular species. Any type of mold can present a health risk, so it should always be removed promptly.

• If you suspect mold exposure, consult your primary care physician immediately. He will determine your best course of action, which may include referral to a specialist.

Stern Mold Provides Effective, Eco-Friendly Mold Removal and Prevention

Safeguard the good health of yourself and your family. Schedule your northern NJ or NYC free mold inspection by our experienced and trained technicians. Have more questions? Visit our Mold Information Center to learn more.

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

Mold Testing Kits Are Available for Region’s Flood Victims

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Mold Flourishes in Damp Environments

Mold Flourishes in Damp Environments

Flooding in homes and buildings creates a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. In response to massive flooding in Midwestern states, organizations are providing free mold test kits to assess trouble spots.

Mold: A Common Result of Flooding

During the tail end of 2015, unusually severe storms resulted in swollen rivers that caused flooding in Illinois, Missouri and Arkansas. Iroquois County in northeast Illinois is one of the areas that was hit particularly hard.

Mold doesn’t appear immediately post-flooding. Instead, it may take hold in hidden spaces that stay damp for a long time. In July 2016, the Iroquois County Long-Term Recovery Committee announced that they will begin providing free mold test kits to homeowners who suspect a problem.

Moisture + Spores = Mold

Moisture is a necessary ingredient for mold growth. Mold spores are always present in the atmosphere, and it takes only one spore landing on a damp spot to start rapidly reproducing. Excessive humidity in areas like basements and bathrooms serves to hasten the process.

A lack of visual evidence doesn’t rule out the presence of mold. It can flourish inside cabinets, behind walls, under carpeting or in crawl spaces. Musty odors, rather than visual sightings, are frequently the first tip-off to a mold infestation.

Schedule Your Northern NJ or NYC Free Mold Inspection

Have you recently experienced flooding or leaks in your home? When it comes to mold, out of sight is not out of mind. Contact Stern Mold for your Northern NJ or NYC free mold inspection performed by our friendly, professionally trained technicians.

Posted in Mold Tips, Mold Treatment, MoldExterm, News

Top Hazards for Your Home – Mold is Number One

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The word “mold” is actually a generic catch-all term for a variety of fungi. Species of indoor mold include Aspergillus, Epicoccum and Trichoderma. No matter what the form, mold growth in your home or building can lead to a number of unpleasant and potentially serious effects.

The nature of mold

According to the definition used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, mold and other fungi are plants, although they have no roots, leaves or flowers. Mold is most commonly thought of as being black or green, but it actually appears in yellow, pink and brown as well.

Mold reproduces by spores, which are microscopic cells that are invisible to the eye as they drift throughout the air. DIY mold treatment is usually ineffective because spores remain behind to land on other surfaces.

Moisture is the common denominator required for growth of any mold species. Water leaks are an obvious risk factor, but any damp surface in humid areas such as bathrooms and basements is a candidate for mold.

Mold’s destructive effects

Active mold growth destroys its host material. This is no problem outdoors, where mold breaks down organic matter as part of the cycle of nature. Indoors, unchecked mold growth can result in structural damage.

A more serious issue is mold’s potential impact on your health. The presence of mold has been associated with allergies and upper respiratory ailments, leading the Institute of Medicine to issue a report in 2004 citing damp indoor areas as a “public health problem.”

Our unique MoldExterm mold treatment program eliminates mold growth and provides a barrier against future infestations. Contact us today to schedule a free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Tips, News