Category Archives: Mold Treatment

The Low-Down from the CDC on Mold and Health Issues

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Mold surrounds us, but not all mold poses a significant health risk. How do you know if your household contains dangerous mold? The Centers for Disease Control provides straightforward information to help explain the health effects of mold, how to treat mold, and who faces the highest risk.

If you believe your household has a mold problem, get a mold inspection and consider your options for NYC mold treatment.

Key facts to know about mold:

  • Mold itself is generally not toxic — but some mold emits toxins.
  • Evidence links household mold with illnesses including upper respiratory tract infections and asthma-related problems.
  • Mold may contribute to children developing asthma.
  • Healthy people can get sick from mold infestations. Children and people with compromised immune systems face a higher risk.

Mold Treatment Recommendations from the CDC

The CDC says that small mold problems can be treated with bleach, but this method does not always successfully treat mold. Mold can regrow after bleach cleaning, feeding off the water in the solution. Bleach also fails to eradicate mold from deep inside floors, ceilings, and walls.

The CDC also recommends that you remove damaged materials such as drywall. However, new technology makes it possible to avoid this drastic step. The MoldExterm system kills mold and seals the surface, protecting your indoor air quality and health.

Mold problems should be treated professionally to prevent respiratory illness and other harmful effects of mold exposure. The good news is that NYC mold treatment from Stern Mold offers a simple, lasting solution that does not require traditional mold remediation.

For more info about advanced NYC mold treatment services, contact Stern Mold and schedule a free inspection.

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

Mold: What Every Home Owner Fears

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With the apparent prevalence of news stories about infested homes, it seems appropriate that “mold” is a four-letter word. Just the mention of it can send shivers down a homeowner’s spine. But is mold really something that should inspire such fear?

The truth is that mold is nothing new. Advice about mold treatment can even be found in the Biblical book of Leviticus. While it seems as though the problem has grown, experts say it’s simply that there’s more awareness of it today.

Nelson Barnes Jr., a mold treatment expert in the Washington, DC area, explains that mold is a plant that poses no threat as long as you don’t touch or eat it. The danger arises from inhaling the spores that begin circulating in the air, causing respiratory problems ranging from coughing and sneezing to asthma attacks.

Mold spores are present everywhere, according to Rob Hopkin of ProTec Inspection Services. Issues stem from a concentration of spores that is greater indoors than outside. From there it takes only food, water and the right temperature for mold to multiply.

Households generally have the right mix of food and temperature to promote mold growth, leaving moisture as the ingredient that is easiest to control. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a major event like a burst pipe to grow mold. All it takes is a relative humidity level above 60 percent.

Unlike traditional remediation, our proprietary MoldExterm method controls moisture and spore transmission, the two biggest factors in mold reproduction. Visit our website to learn more about why Stern Mold is the leader in quick and effective mold treatment.

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

Can You Live in a House with Mold?

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So you’ve discovered a patch of mold in your house and you’re unsure about what to do next. Do you and your family need to leave, or can you proceed as normal while dealing with the situation? The answer can depend on the effects of the mold as well as the method of mold treatment.

The nature of mold

While the presence of mold is off-putting, the substance plays an important role in the cycle of nature by decomposing dead organic materials such as wood. When mold develops indoors, it can cause damage by acting on porous materials like drywall and carpeting. Indoor mold is a sign of a leak or other water problem that must be addressed.

Health effects of mold

Mold spores are a major allergen that causes upper respiratory distress ranging from coughing and sneezing to sore, itchy eyes. Children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable. Consult your physician if you suspect that you or a family member are exhibiting symptoms related to mold exposure.

Treatment or remediation?

It may not be physically necessary to leave your home during remediation, but the disruption could cause you to seek other quarters. Remediation often involves pulling out furniture and building surfaces affected by mold, and the lengthy process can take days or even weeks.

Our proprietary MoldExterm treatment is usually completed within one day and works proactively to prevent future reoccurrence. Contact us to schedule an appointment and let our mold treatment experts handle the problem safely and effectively with little disruption to your household.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Treatment, News

The Myths and Facts About Mold

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Most people feel the same way about mold that they do about spiders. When they see either, they are terrified. They know some species are harmful and some are not, but are not sure how to identify them. Also, if it is out of sight, it is out of mind. Here is a reminder that you should have a free inspection and mold treatment consultation of your home and business, along with some facts about a couple of myths associated with mold.

Common myths about mold

Myth – Only black mold is dangerous: Of the over 100,000 different species of mold, about 60 are known to be harmful to people’s health. The spores are especially bad for people with asthma, a compromised immune system, and the elderly. Black mold (stachybotrys chartarum) typically develops on existing mold colonies. It grows slowly and has heavier spores than most mold species. It can only be identified by trained professionals and is certainly not the only harmful mold type.

Myth – Bleach will kill mold: The bleach purchased over the counter is typically just 6 percent sodium hypochlorite and the remaining 94 percent is water. Applying it to mold temporarily removes the mold, but when the chlorine evaporates, the mold comes back and feeds on the water to spread again. Proper mold treatment requires trained professionals to eliminate the mold and replace contaminated material.

Be proactive about protecting your family, workers, and customers from the possible health risks of mold spores. The technicians of Stern Mold have experience with all types of mold and can provide a safe, cost-efficient and effective mold treatment of your home or business. Contact us today.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Treatment, News

Is All Black Colored Mold Dangerous?

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With all the attention given to the problem of black mold in homes and buildings, people have come to assume that all such growths are toxic. In reality, there are types of dark-colored mold referred to as “cosmetic” that present little danger to your home or your health.

But if you discover black mold, how can you tell which type it is? Here is some helpful information about identifying and treating cosmetic mold.

What causes cosmetic mold?

Framing lumber used in building construction sometimes comes with a harmless form of black mold. These “bluestain” fungi develop mainly on sapwood, which is the main part of a tree used for building lumber.

Recognizing the signs

Indoor mold growth is usually uninterrupted, spreading out to neighboring surfaces. An interrupted patch of mold that appears to have stopped along a random straight line is the most common evidence of cosmetic mold. For instance, you may see mold that stops at the cut end of a rafter, or side-by-side beams where only one has growth.

Steps to take when discovering cosmetic mold

If black mold is found on dry wood in configurations as described above with no signs of active growth, no action is needed. However, the presence of cosmetic mold can support the growth of other, more troublesome varieties. Inspect and monitor areas of cosmetic mold for the appearance of active colonies or major risk factors such as dampness.

Why take a chance attempting to identify mold on your own? Get peace of mind with a free mold inspection by our experienced technicians at Stern Mold. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Tips, Mold Treatment, News
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