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How to Be Proactive in Your Office to Prevent a Mold Infestation

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Prevent Mold in Your Office

Prevent Mold in Your Office

Mold and fungus can grow inside walls, floors and HVAC systems for years without being detected. Over time, it can become so severe that it ends up causing health problems in those who are exposed to it. Taking steps to protect your office from mold is the most effective way to reduce this risk. You can do so in the following ways.

Health Concerns

Take any reports of health issues among employees seriously. If employees are experiencing respiratory problems that might be caused by mold, encourage them to see their doctor.

Water Problems

Watch for signs of water problems, such as leaks or dampness, and ask employees to let you know right away if they notice any. Other signs of potential water damage include stains and spots on walls and ceilings, peeling paint and buckling floors. Get rid of and replace any materials that have been damaged, such as carpeting or drywall.

Odors

Some types of mold give off a distinct odor, but others don’t. Have your building checked for mold if you or your employees notice a musty or unpleasant smell. Keep in mind that these odors could be coming from your ducts, so have your HVAC system and ductwork checked for mold if these smells are detected.

Indoor Environmental Quality Program

Set up a program that emphasizes the importance of indoor environmental quality in your building. This program should provide employees with information on detecting potential mold problems and reporting them.

If you suspect that there might be mold in your building, please contact Stern Mold. We provide mold and fungus treatment for businesses in NJ, NYC and Long Island.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information, News

City Throws in the Towel in Fighting Mold in Old City Hall

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When the Cost of Mold Outweighs the Cost to Demolish

When the Cost of Mold Outweighs the Cost to Demolish

The presence of mold and fungus in a building can quickly become a health hazard. When mold isn’t completely removed, it can spread rapidly and prove difficult or even impossible to get rid of. A recent example of this can be seen at the city hall in Indiana, which is scheduled to be torn down due to mold.

Water Damage Cleanup Reveals Mold

In January 2014, pipes in West Lafayette City Hall ended up rupturing after freezing, which led to serious water damage. Crews that cleaned up the building discovered that mold had been growing in the basement and was later found growing on the first two floors. In March 2014, West Lafayette City Hall was abandoned while city officials looked into the expense of removing the building’s mold problem.

Costs of Mold Removal vs. Demolition

City officials calculated that removing all of the mold that had been growing in City Hall would cost more than tearing the building down. Over the next two years, city officials worked with insurance adjusters to come to agreement on settling this claim. West Lafayette City Hall is now scheduled to be torn down in November 2016 and there are currently no plans to rebuild on the same site.

This situation shows just how serious and costly mold and fungus problems can be. It’s important to detect these problems as early as possible and to have them taken care of before they can get worse.

If your building has a mold problem, contact Stern Mold for help. We offer mold and fungus removal services for homes and businesses in NJ, NYC and Long Island.

Posted in Mold Remediation, MoldExterm, News

Know the Law Before You Get Mold Treatment

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mp9004003931New York State has a new mold and fungus law that went into effect on January 1, 2016. The law identifies mold as a fungi growth that can produce toxins capable of causing pulmonary, respiratory, neurological or other illnesses after minimal exposure. The Mold Program and regulations come under the New York State Department of Labor and are part of Article 32 of the New York State Labor Law.

Key facts about the law that property owners should know

The primary purpose of the new law is to protect the public through improved licensing and by outlining basic work standards for contractors doing mold assessment and remediation. The law has three main components:

Training: Prior to obtaining a license for mold assessment or remediation, contractors must successfully complete required training.

Licensing: Contractors are not allowed to advertise or perform mold assessment or remediation services without the mandatory license. People with a New York license for mold assessment, remediation and abatement cannot remediate the underlying source of moisture. For that, you need a home improvement contractor. You can verify a contractor’s license on the Department of Labor’s website.

Work standards: The same contractor cannot perform both the assessment and remediation on the same property. The new law also requires that the identification of disinfectant products is consistent with EPA standards. There are now provisions for personal protection equipment that must be worn by employees working with mold and fungus.

If you have a mold problem in your home or business, contact Stern Mold for a free consultation. We use the latest detection technology and have been serving Northern NJ and NYC since 1995.

Posted in Mold Information, Mold Law, News

Mold Treatment Tips for Renters

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Finding Mold in Your Rental Home

Finding Mold in Your Rental Home

Mold can easily go unnoticed in your New York apartment or house. It can grow under carpet, inside the walls, or in the ceiling. Mold can cause serious health problems for many people. Unlike smoke or a natural gas leak, the presence of mold is not always obvious and there are no alarms to detect the existence of mold spores in the air. If you or any member of your household are experiencing persistent allergy symptoms, your apartment may need mold treatment.

Signs of mold

Mold needs moisture to grow. If you see water spots on the walls, ceiling or floor, that’s an opportunity for mold. Cracked or peeling paint and wallpaper that is separating from the wall can also indicate water damage. Mold may look like a mysterious dirty spot in the corner of a room or soot stain around an HVAC register. As mentioned previously, mold can grow inside walls or in the ceiling without giving any visual indication of its presence. If you notice a musty smell in one area of your residence, further investigation may be necessary.

Speak to your landlord

You should report any water leaks, moisture problems, or signs of mold to your property manager immediately. Mold is a serious issue that does not go away on its own. By catching a mold problem early, you will likely save them money on mold treatment costs. The New York State Department of Health recommends you contact your local building department or code enforcement official if your landlord fails to address the problem.

Building owners can contact Stern Mold for a free mold consultation in Northern NJ and NYC.

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

Mold in the Workplace – Rights and Responsibilities

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Mold Can Cause Sickness and Allergic Reactions. Keep Your Staff at Their Best by Being Mold Free!

Mold Can Cause Sickness and Allergic Reactions. Keep Your Staff at Their Best by Being Mold Free!

Residential mold problems have been the subject of many news stories, but commercial buildings are not immune to the risk of infestation either. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) counts mold as a health and safety risk in the workplace along with asbestos, toxic metals and other dangers.

Combating Mold in the Workplace

OSHA is charged with enforcing the government statutes requiring companies to maintain “safe and healthful workplaces” for their employees. Mold is found naturally in the environment, so there are currently no standards in place for maximum acceptable levels, but it is considered a recognized health risk.

Mold feeds on organic matter, which presents an indirect risk. It can eat away at building materials and cause structural damage, compromising the safety of employees.

Water is the key element for mold growth, so businesses with kitchens and areas with excessive dampness are likely candidates for infestations. HVAC systems and plumbing should also be inspected regularly for signs of leaks and other damage.

Mold Treatment Guidelines

OSHA’s guidelines include recommendations for effective mold treatment:

• Mold removal professionals should be consulted before starting any course of action.

• Surfaces should be lightly misted beforehand to suppress dust.

• Cleanup workers should use personal protection equipment such as gloves, goggles and masks.

Effective Mold Treatment for Commercial and Residential Buildings

Stern Mold provides thorough and efficient mold removal services for home and business owners in NYC, Long Island and northern NJ. Visit our website for more information about our eco-friendly, non-intrusive MoldExterm system and find out how you can schedule a free mold inspection for your building.

 

Posted in Mold Information, Mold Treatment, News
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