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The Cost of Litigation of Untreated Mold Problems

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Worried About a Possible Mold Issue? Think About the Kids.

Worried About a Possible Mold Issue? Think About the Kids.

What is the price of your family’s health? As organizations such as the Environmental Protective Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to warn about mold and fungus as serious causes of illness, courts are becoming more likely to award monetary damages.

Failure to address moisture and mold problems can result in serious liability for property owners. Here are two cases where landlords and home owners were held responsible for significant damages caused by lack of mold treatment.

Former NBA Coach Cited for “Technical Foul”

After former NBA player and coach Rudy Tomjanovich and his wife sold their Pacific Palisades home, the purchaser sued over lack of disclosure concerning water leaks accompanied by mold and fungus. The couple claimed that there had been only one leak that was promptly repaired, and they blamed the non-disclosure on their attorneys.

The Tomjanovichs were ordered to pay more than $3 million in compensatory and punitive damages. This case underscores the fact that water damage and remediation efforts must always be disclosed in property transactions.

Renter Beware

An Oregon radiologist rented a home which developed a water leak in a stairwell. The tenant promptly reported the issue to the property management company, but they took no action. When an indoor air quality expert discovered numerous defects that caused allergic symptoms, the renter sued and received an award of $103,000.

Efficient Mold and Fungus Remediation in NYC and Northern NJ

If you suspect mold and fungus in your home or business, our Stern Mold technicians can perform eco-friendly and non-invasive remediation using our MoldExterm process. Contact us to schedule a free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Law

EPA Shares Information on the Identification of Hazardous Mold

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The EPA Knows Mold!

The EPA Knows Mold!

You’re right to be concerned about mold and your health. Every year, mold leads to an incredible number of health issues for many people, and a lot of them don’t even realize they have mold problems. Fortunately, there are organizations that have done a lot of work to find out as much as they can about mold and its effect on us, as well as how to properly identify it. The EPA is one of those organizations.

Detecting Dangerous Molds

At one time, there wasn’t a lot that was known about different types of molds, and even less was known about the health consequences of them. However, two EPA scientists found a way to quickly detect and identify dangerous molds, including Stachybotrys (black mold), as well as several other types of molds. The technology they used allowed them to identify molds within a few hours, as opposed to a few weeks, like previous methods. This allows for quicker action on the part of professionals who can rectify the problem.

The Problem with Mold and Your Health

Did you know that there are as many as 100 different types of common indoor molds that are responsible for many of the health issues people face today? Sick building syndrome is a serious problem for many residential homes and commercial buildings. However, mold can stay hidden for a long time in water damaged areas that don’t receive much or any traffic. By the time it’s discovered, quite often, significant health damage has already been done.

A mold inspection is recommended for anyone who is concerned about a potential mold issue. Contact us here at Stern Mold for help.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification

Mold in the Workplace – OSHA Weighs in

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Feeling a Little Off at Work? Consider Mold as the Cause.

Feeling a Little Off at Work? Consider Mold as the Cause.

According to OSHA, more people are aware of the dangers of mold now than ever before. While mold and fungi are terms that are often used interchangeably, mold is actually a type of fungi than can cause serious health problems and concerns. Mold in the workplace is often an issue that is overlooked in many cases.

The Dangers of Mold

Mold tends to develop in areas that are damp, have high humidity, or where water damage has occurred. As soon as mold begins to develop, it can spread rapidly. It releases millions of spores that are air-borne, water-borne or even insect-borne. These spores are capable of producing mycotoxins, which can be hazardous to your health. Those at a greater risk of health issues include:

• Elderly people

• Infants and children

• People with asthma or allergies

• Pregnant women

Your Right to a Safe Workplace

As an employee, you have the right to a safe workplace, and employers have to follow strict guidelines to ensure your health and safety. The laws that are in place are there to protect you, and while most people assume the laws are mostly regarding your physical safety on the job, they also apply to your health. OSHA has laws in place to protect you, and if you feel that your rights are being violated because you work in a place that isn’t safe, you are encouraged to contact OSHA and file a report.

Help for Mold in the Workplace

Are you an employer who is fighting mold in the workplace? If you are, it helps to have professionals that you can count on. Contact Stern Mold to get the help you need.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information

Things You Need to Know About Mold

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What Do You Need to Know About Mold?

What Do You Need to Know About Mold?

If you’re experiencing scenes like this in your home or business, it’s time to get professional help with mold treatment. Damage to walls, floors, and ceilings as well as exposure to an unhealthy environment requires immediate attention.

About Mold

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has compiled a list of the things you need to know about mold. This short list provides an idea of how important it is to address mold issues as soon as possible.

  • Mold causes known health issues when humans are exposed to moldy areas, including upper respiratory problems, asthma, and allergic reactions.
  • The key to controlling mold and spores indoors is by controlling the moisture. This means eliminating sources of moisture.
  • Support the reduction of indoor humidity by using dehumidifiers, exhaust fans in the kitchen, and air conditioners. Reducing moisture may also require venting areas that generate moisture such as the bathroom and laundry room.
  • Remove mold by cleaning with a solution of detergent and water, and allow to dry.
  • Replace absorbent materials, such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy.
  • Install adequate insulation to reduce the risk of condensation accumulation on cold surfaces.
  • Do not install carpeting in areas susceptible to moisture such as in the bathroom.
  • Mold is not limited to just building materials. Some species of mold can grow anywhere moisture is present including carpet, paper, and wood substances.

Don’t let mold get hold of your home or business. With specialized mold treatment methods available from Stern Mold (versus standard destructive remediation processes), your property can be free and clear of unhealthy spores. Contact us using our convenient online form or call us to set up a free inspection.

Posted in Mold Information, Mold Treatment, News

EPA Releases Homeowner’s Guide to Mold

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The EPA Knows Mold!

The EPA Knows Mold!

Mold. No one likes it and no one wants to have it in their home or business. It not only damages drywall and other materials, mold also poses a health hazard resulting in upper respiratory inflammation that can lead to chronic symptoms.

There are over 100,000 species of mold and 200,000 species of fungus. Each has its own properties and reactions to the environment and the weather. Regardless of which species is affecting your property, the MoldExterm System, available from Stern Mold, can remove the problem with an affordable treatment – usually in one day.

MoldExterm is a bio remedial treatment process that goes beyond traditional remediation treatments that require removing the affected materials. The MoldExterm treatment process has two parts. First, the infested area is treated with a solution that kills fungi, viruses, and bacteria leaving the area disinfected.

The second part of the mold treatment eliminates mold from reoccurring via a polymer sealer applied to the affected surfaces, which serves as a barrier to prevent an area from becoming infested again in the future.

With MoldExterm, unlike regular remediation, there’s no need to tear out original building materials to remove the mold-infested areas. This can result in significant savings to property owners especially those with large areas containing moldy material.

Along with the mold treatment process from Stern Mold, a professional-grade dehumidifier is also installed to help control moisture within the property.

The patent-pending MoldExterm treatment process comes with a warranty that guarantees mold-free results and customer satisfaction.

When mold makes an appearance, it’s time to call in the mold specialists at Stern Mold. Contact us to schedule a free inspection and price quote.

Posted in Mold Identification, MoldExterm, News
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