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Mold 101: OSHA Gives Guidance on Mold in the Workplace

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Know the Facts About Mold.

Mold At The Work Place

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act) requires that all employers provide “safe and healthful working conditions” for all employees. While people often interpret the regulation in terms of physical risks, a workplace should also include clean air without excess levels of mold.

OSHA, the governing body established to enforce the OSH Act, offers tips about detecting and preventing mold exposure in the workplace.

Where Is Mold Found?

Mold spores are present everywhere, but they usually don’t cause problems at normal levels outdoors. Problems arise when the spores land on a damp spot indoors where they can multiply.

Common breeding grounds for mold in the workplace include:

  • Leaky or sweaty pipes
  • Poorly-maintained drain pans
  • Damp foundations
  • Poorly vented kitchens, showers or any area where steam is present

Building-Related Illnesses (BRIs)

A building-related illness is one that includes symptoms objectively found to be linked to specific elements inside the building. Mold-related BRIs are often allergic conditions such as rhinitis, asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Reducing Risk of Mold BRIs

  • Conduct regular inspections for water leaks, damaged door and window seals, and visible mold.
  • Make sure all damp areas and equipment are cleaned and dried as soon as possible.
  • Wherever possible, vent all moisture-generating appliances and equipment to the outside.

Effective Manhattan Mold Remediation for Buildings and Workplaces

Workers compensation claims are some of the biggest expenses for any business. Our two-step MoldExterm Manhattan mold remediation program makes your workplace safer by removing existing mold and preventing future infestations. Contact us today to schedule a free mold inspection by one of our friendly and professional technicians.

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

Mold 101: Mold’s Impact on Our Kids

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Kids are the Future. Keep Them Safe From Dangerous Molds.

Kids are the Future. Keep Them Safe From Dangerous Molds.

Manhattan mold removal companies all agree that breathing in mold spores, or being exposed to them on any level, is bad enough for adults, but when it comes to kids, it’s worse. Young people are more susceptible to mold exposure in ways that are different from adults. Consequently, they need more protection than adults do, and here’s why.

  • Breathing — Did you know that kids breathe in more air, per pound of body weight, than adults do? Essentially, that ratio means they are taking in more mold spores with each breath during exposure. If it’s toxic black mold, kids are getting many more toxins through regular breathing than an average adult would.
  • Hand to Mouth — Yes, kids are told time and again to wash their hands, especially in bathroom areas where mold is most common. But everyone knows that kids forget, and that means they have a much greater chance of hand-to-mouth contact after touching mold infested areas.
  • Under Development — Both a youngster’s body organs and immune system are under development during these formative years, making them more susceptible to allergic reactions from mold infestation.

Kids are often thought of as young adults, but the reality is that they are still growing and have special requirements and needs, especially when it comes to mold exposure. Keep that in mind if you ever notice signs of mold in your home, school or other public place where kids congregate.

If you have any questions about mold infestation and the health of your kids, please contact one of the foremost Manhattan mold removal companies, Stern Mold. We offer a free mold inspection and are the experts at mold remediation.

 

Posted in Mold & Your Health

Mold 101: Prolonged Mold Exposure May Cause Cognitive Issues

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Mold May Be More Dangerous Than You Think.

Mold May Be More Dangerous Than You Think.

Much has been written and documented about exposure to mold spores triggering upper respiratory allergic reactions. Researchers are now discovering disturbing evidence pointing to a link between the body’s inflammatory response to mold and structural changes in the brain.

How Inflammation Affects the Brain

A semi-permeable membrane known as the blood-brain barrier protects the brain from neurotoxins while allowing passage of water, glucose and other molecules that are necessary for neural function. Inflammatory reactions can loosen the tight junctions binding the BBB cells, compromising their ability to control what moves in and out.

TGF beta-1 and and IL-1B are two of the specific compounds that produce this inflammatory response in the BBB. Scientists have also found that elevated levels of these substances are present in patients who have developed chronic inflammatory response syndrome after exposure to moldy interiors in water-damaged buildings.

Mold and Cognitive Functions

NeuroQuant is a sophisticated software program used to assess patients with traumatic brain injuries based off of a specifically-run MRI. When NeuroQuant was used to evaluate the brains of patients with mold illness, preliminary results indicated a “unique fingerprint” of changes in white matter volume along with structural gray matter damage.

Previously, there had been some doubt as to whether there is a connection between mold exposure and cognitive brain damage. As researchers verify and expand the study, it appears that we may shortly have a definitive answer to this question.

Stern Mold: The Leaders in Effective Manhattan Mold Removal

Our eco-friendly two-step MoldExterm treatment is a cost-effective and non-invasive solution for Manhattan mold removal. Contact us today to schedule a free mold inspection by our friendly and professionally-trained technicians.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information

Mold 101: the CDC Weighs in On Mold and Damp Buildings

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the CDC Weighs in On Mold and Damp Buildings

the CDC Weighs in On Mold and Damp Buildings

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes the health risks associated with high indoor humidity, dampness and mold in offices, schools, and other nonindustrial buildings. You work hard to keep your business profitable, maintain a safe and comfortable environment for your employees and customers, and to keep customers coming back every time they need your products or services. A musky smell from leaking pipes or water incursion can’t be masked and it can ruin your business. People with sensitive immune systems and mold allergies feel the effects of mold spores quickly when they’re in a building with mold. Our Manhattan mold removal company can help you at a reasonable price and without tearing out walls.

The CDC defines dampness as any unwanted or excessive moisture inside your building. Having this dampness in your building will lead to mold growth that releases mold spores and breaks down building materials. Different types of mold grow in different moisture conditions. The CDC warns that mold inside buildings is associated with several respiratory problems including asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, bronchitis, and respiratory infections. People sensitive to allergens and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing a more severe illness from their exposure to mold.

We can remedy your mold problem with our Manhattan mold removal service. Our MoldExterm method is faster and less costly than traditional remediation methods. It does not require tearing out walls and can be done with little or no interruption to your business schedule. Contact Stern Mold for a free professional inspection and consultation on the best way to maintain optimal air quality and prevent mold from coming back.

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

Mold 101: Could Mold Cause Pneumonia or Similar Symptoms?

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Could Mold Cause Pneumonia or Similar Symptoms?

Could Mold Cause Pneumonia or Similar Symptoms??

Mold inside your home or business can cause occupants to suffer the same symptoms as the flu and other respiratory allergies. If you are experiencing a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes or a sore throat, you may dismiss these symptoms as seasonal allergies or perhaps the annual flu season. However, it could be a mold allergy.

The Mayo Clinic says that when anyone with a sensitive immune system inhales mold spores, their body releases histamine. This can cause coughing, sneezing, sore chest, and other flu-like symptoms. Mold allergy symptoms can be different for each person and possibly lead to serious illness. If you or anyone you know is experiencing what could be mold allergy symptoms or possibly pneumonia, see a doctor right away. Your doctor will use your medical history, a physical exam, and chest X-ray to diagnose your condition and prescribe treatment.

Diagnosing any type of allergy can be a complex process. It involves allergy testing and identifying the source of the problem. Since the symptoms of mold allergies and other respiratory problems are so similar, doctors may not suspect your building is the source of your health problem initially. If you suspect your building has mold, call one of the top Manhattan mold removal companies for a free inspection. MoldExterm is a quick, cost-effective alternative to traditional mold remediation that does not involve tearing out walls disrupting your business.

If you own a business in New York, New Jersey, or Long Island, don’t take any chances with the health of your employees. Call Stern Mold for an inspection and free consultation. We are one of the top Manhattan mold removal companies.

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