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What Color Can Mold Be? Is It Always Black?

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Unsure of What Mold Lurks in Your Office?

Unsure of What Mold Lurks in Your Office?

Do you know what color mold is? If your answer is “black,” you’re only partially correct. While black mold gets most of the attention, mold comes in thousands of varieties and a wide range of colors.

Here’s an overview of the most commonly found types of mold and their colors. Experts agree that regardless of the color, interior mold growth should be treated with professional mold remediation.

Greenish-Black

Stachbotrys, the scientific name for black mold, is more accurately described as greenish-black. This species feeds on high-cellulose, low-nitrogen materials, such as drywall or paper, that have a constant source of moisture from flooding, leaks or humidity.

Yellow, Green or Black

These colors are often a sign of Aspergillus, a mold that’s frequently found both indoors and outdoors. Since this mold is so widespread, you inhale the spores nearly every day without ill effects. Aspergillus can cause a serious illness called Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis in people with preexisting lung problems or compromised immune systems.

Blue, Green or White

Lighter colors are usually associated with Penicillum, which is often found on food. Penicillum was the genesis for the discovery of the penicillin antibiotic.

Black or Grey

Black or grey Alternaria is generally found outdoors around damp soil and plants. However, one study found Alternaria in more than 90 percent of the household dust samples that were tested.

Need Mold Treatment in Your NYC or Northern NJ Home?

Traditional mold remediation is no longer the standard treatment. We use an eco-friendly two-step process that can usually be completed in one day, and without any structural damage. Contact Stern Mold today to schedule your free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information

Introducing Our New Mold Information Resource

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Get the Information You Need on Mold!

Get the Information You Need on Mold!

In recent years, the problem of interior mold growth and its effect on building occupants has gained an increasing amount of attention. With everything that’s being written on the topic, how can you tell the difference between facts and misinformation?

Our experts at Stern Mold have created a Mold Information Center on our website to promote understanding of these fungi along with how and why it should be treated. Here are some of the questions you will find addressed in the Center.

What are the Top Five Types of Mold Found Inside Homes and Buildings?

Mold is a far-ranging category that includes more than 100,000 identified varieties. Only biologists and other scientific researchers need to go into that amount of depth, so we provide an overview of the types of mold most commonly found indoors.

Is All Mold Toxic?

Much of the reporting about mold has focused on toxic or black mold, so some people have come to believe that those terms apply to any type of mold found in homes and other buildings. We explain the true meanings of those two terms as they refer to mold.

What Are Mold Spores? Why is Treatment Important?

One shortcoming of traditional mold remediation is that it can actually spread infestations by dispersing spores. Learn why effective treatment includes elimination of spores as well as the actual growth.

Stern Mold: Serving NYC and Northern NJ since 1995

Our two-stage MoldExterm treatment is more effective and less invasive than traditional mold remediation, and it provides protection against future infestations. Visit our website for more information and schedule your free mold inspection by our professionally trained technicians.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, Mold Tips

Black Mold Health Symptoms, What Are They?

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Black Mold Symptoms

Black Mold Symptoms

Black mold generally occurs in chronically damp areas like laundry rooms, bathrooms, pool rooms and spas. But it can also grow if there are leaking pipes, flooding or in any situation where water and dampness are present over a prolonged period of time. The only way to rid these areas of black mold is through mold treatment.

Symptoms to Look For

If you have been exposed to toxic black mold, here are some of the symptoms to be on the lookout for. They generally cause respiratory distress in one way or another, so that should be the first clue.

• Chronic coughing

• Chronic sneezing

• Watery and itchy eyes

• Irritation of the nose and throat

• Fatigue

• Persistent headaches

• Red blotchy rashes on the body

A severe allergic reaction may entail:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Bleeding from the lungs, nose and mouth

Free Mold Inspection

Of course, these are just general symptoms, and some of them may have other causes. But if you do have any of these symptoms and fear a black mold infestation, call in the professionals at Stern Mold for a free mold inspection.

The Bottom Line

Mold treatment is the only way to eliminate a toxic black mold infestation. If you have noticed toxic black mold, or exhibit any of the chronic symptoms above, don’t take any chances. Rely on the professionals at Stern Mold to rid your home of toxic black mold. We’re part of the Stern Environmental Group and we will answer all of your questions or schedule a free mold inspection for your residence. Stern Mold has been serving the New Jersey, New York City, and Long Island area since 1995.

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

Is It Mold? Is It Mildew? How to Tell

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Mold Anatomy

The Difference Between Mold And Mildew

Some types of fungi, mold and mildew share a “family” resemblance. So when you discover a suspicious patch in your home, how can you tell which one it is?

Differences between Mold and Mildew

Telltale clues in appearance help to distinguish between mold and mildew.

• Mildew usually starts out white or yellow, changing to brown or black over time. Mold can be found in a wide range of colors, including pink, green, brown, black and grey.

• If a patch of fungus is powdery or downy to the touch, it’s most likely mildew. Mold, on the other hand, has a fuzzy texture.

• Mildew grows in a flat pattern, while mold is hyphae-shaped, which means it’s constructed from several minute filaments.

• Mold is usually found on organic materials such as wood and paper, and both fungi can grow on materials like carpeting, clothing and shower curtains that are in damp areas. Mildew also feeds on host plants such as corn and rice.

Mildew vs. Mold Treatment

Mold and mildew both cause upper-respiratory problems, but mold includes a substance called mycotoxins that can result in more serious allergic reactions. Also, if left untreated mold can lead to structural damage as it feeds on various building materials.

Mildew can often be treated with an over-the-counter cleaning agent or a solution of bleach and water. Due to mold’s more destructive nature, professional mold treatment is highly recommended.

Safe and Effective Mold Treatment in NYC and Northern NJ

Stern Mold provides an eco-friendly mold treatment that can usually be completed within one day. Visit our website to learn more about why our proprietary MoldExterm process is the superior solution to your mold problem.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification, News

Mold 101: What Is a Mycotoxin from Mold?

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Close-up of Mold Mycellium

Close-up of Mold Mycellium

Much of the risk associated with indoor infestations of mold and fungus is due to substances called mycotoxins. You probably recognize that the root word “toxin” refers to poison, but what else do you need to know about these potentially harmful substances?

How Mycotoxins are Ingested

Mycotoxins are invisible to the naked eye. They can be as small as 0.1 microns, making them even more microscopic than mold spores, which range from one to 20 microns. Their minute size and airborne nature make it impossible to create an effective barrier.

Most mycotoxins enter through the respiratory system, where they can cause problems ranging from sneezing and coughing to asthma attacks. Others pass through skin or the membranes of the eyes, while toxic mold on crops can result in people or animals ingesting mycotoxins via food.

Treating Mycotoxins

You may hear talk about killing mycotoxins, but they are not living organisms, so the process really involves breaking down mycotoxins and neutralizing their toxicity.

• Bleach that includes five percent sodium hypochlorite kills some of the more common mycotoxins, including trichothecene and aflatoxin.

• The intense heat of fire can destroy mycotoxins. At 500°F, detoxification takes 30 minutes.

• Ozone is effective against most mycotoxins, but it requires a level that is unsafe for humans.

Mycotoxins will eventually break down on their own, but it can take several years for some varieties.

Traditional mold remediation can disperse spores and mycotoxins into the air, allowing them to settle and take hold in other areas. Our MoldExterm process removes mold and fungus quickly and efficiently while preventing future outbreaks. Contact Stern Mold today for a free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Tips, Mold Treatment
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