How Does Mold Grow and Reproduce?

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How Can Mold Spread So Fast?

How Can Mold Spread So Fast?

In Mother Nature, mold aids decomposition. However in your home, it can wreak havoc indoors when it spreads, from structural damage to inhabitant health problems. Tricky to eliminate due to its various stages of growth, the NYC mold removal experts at Stern know the importance of selecting the right eradication method to prevent its proliferation.

How Does Mold Spread?
Mold has a four-stage life cycle, which treatment must reflect:

1. Hyper-Hungry Hyphae
Minute and threadlike, hypha cells feed on organic matter, absorbing nutrients and forming clusters – the visible evidence of mold. Like roots, they anchor mold to its substrate, providing nutrients. Wiping down surfaces does nothing to detract these cells from reproducing and returning.

2. Mighty Morphing Mycelium
The hyphae morph into mycelium. Reproducing asexually via cell division, spores appear on the end of each cell, spurred on based on light exposure, oxygen, and ambient temperature.

3. Sneaky Spreading Spores
The mycelium release microscopic spores into the air. Each species of spore is consistent in size, shape, color, and form, aiding identification. Like a seed, they drift until finding a surface with the ideal water and nutrient requirements. Unlike a seed, spores do not contain any preformed offspring. Tiny but tough, spores can remain dormant on surfaces for years until the right conditions develop for growth.

4. Perpetual Proliferation
The lifecycle of mold continues endlessly as the spores settle, grow, and continue to reproduce, taking their toll on the structure of your home and the health of your family over time.

Stop the insanity. Break the mold life cycle with the help of the NYC mold removal experts at Stern Mold today.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information

Why Is It So Important to Treat for Mold Spores?

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Why Is It So Important to Treat for Mold Spores?

Why Is It So Important to Treat for Mold Spores?

Have you scrubbed away the last vestiges of visible surface mold and think you’re in the clear? Not so fast! The NYC mold removal professionals at Stern want you to understand why this may be the tip of the mold-cleaning iceberg.

A Hidden Menace
Mold is challenging to eliminate due not only to its common prevalence, but its ability to grow in every hard to reach nook-and-cranny of your home – from wall cracks to carpet fibers, and the backside of tile and wallpaper. Common household cleaners and bleach are not enough to kill mold spores, they only slow their development for a short time, masking mold problems. Fungicides can help, but mold problems will only end when no hidden, dormant spores remain.

The Importance of Treatment
Treating for spores and eliminating moisture sources, rather than simply removing visible evidence of mold, are essential to kicking mold to the curb for good. Invisible to the naked eye and smaller than a single strand of hair, mold spores don’t simply die with time, but remain dormant, lurking in the shadows until conditions are favorable for their return. Spreading easily, they can quickly contaminate other areas of your home, creating more damage with each passing day.

Dormant & Dangerous
Even dormant, musty odors and associated health issues will persist, ranging from itchy, runny eyes to allergic reactions and upper respiratory symptoms including coughing and wheezing with exposure to spores.

Tracking Down Hidden Spores
The NYC mold removal experts at Stern Mold have the equipment and experience to track-down and eliminate hidden mold. Contact us to learn more about our highly effective, non-toxic mold removal process today.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Treatment, News

Could Mold be at the Root of Your Strange Symptoms? Part Two

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Could Mold be at the Root of Your Strange Symptoms?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states there are currently no established standards for safe or unsafe levels of indoor mold spores. Regardless of where you live, you are at risk for exposure to indoor mold. Leaky plumbing, water intrusion, and high humidity can all lead to mold growth. Be informed about mold and your health.

Old and new buildings have mold

Commercial buildings, offices, and schools often have mold. Older buildings have higher maintenance costs and some needed roof repairs or plumbing issues may be neglected. If an issue with mold is noticed, building owners may attempt partial fixes or spotty treatment. They may think they are saving money by not calling a mold professional, but they are actually just allowing the mold to continue thriving. If the conditions conducive to mold growth remain, mold continues growing and spreading.

New homes and commercial buildings are built tighter than older buildings to hold in heat during the winter and maintain a comfortable temperature during summer. A tight building with high humidity and inadequate ventilation is the ideal environment for mold growth. People often do not suspect a newer building could have mold or indoor pollution, but it is a common occurrence.

Treating mold exposure

A doctor who specializes in mold related illnesses can advise you on available tests for identifying mold antigens in humans. The first step to treating mold-related illness is to avoid any further exposure to the indoor mold spores. The MoldExterm treatment method is guaranteed, affordable, and does not create a mess like traditional mold remediation methods. Contacts us today for more information and don’t take chances with mold and your health.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Treatment, News

Could Mold be at the Root of Your Strange Symptoms? Part One

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Could Mold be at the Root of Your Strange Symptoms?

Could Mold be at the Root of Your Strange Symptoms?

Many people visit their doctor every year with symptoms that are misdiagnosed. These people continue to suffer and get even sicker. For many of them, mold exposure is the cause of their problems. Even though indoor mold is a common issue, few doctors recognize the symptoms of mold-related illnesses and can advise you about mold and your health.

The top symptoms of mold-related illness

Mold spores affect people differently. People who are highly sensitive to mold spores will almost immediately begin to experience eye irritation, running nose, difficulty concentrating, and shortness of breath. The symptoms can easily be mistaken for an allergic reaction to pollen, dust, pet dander, or cigarette smoke.

People not highly sensitive to mold may develop symptoms over time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) report that ongoing exposure to high levels of indoor mold spores can lead to asthma and upper respiratory problems in previously healthy people. The symptoms of mold-related illness may manifest as feelings of fatigue, frequent headaches, flu-like symptoms, and stiffness in joints.

Get a professional mold inspection

Mold spores are too small to be seen with the human eye and are inhaled deeply into the lungs. There are well over 100,000 different types of mold. Some molds secrete mycotoxins that can lead to serious health problems like immune dysfunction, neurological issues, cognitive decline, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder.

The MoldExterm method is a quick, affordable, and effective solution. We have been serving commercial and residential clients in New York City and New Jersey since 1995. Be proactive about mold and your health. Contact us for a free mold inspection.

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

Mold and Your Health – The Facts

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Mold Does Impact Your Health Find Out How

Mold Does Impact Your Health Find Out How

Continued exposure to mold can lead to respiratory problems in previously healthy people. That is according to a study by the Institute of Medicine (IOM). Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other organizations have found strong evidence that early life exposure to indoor dampness and mold can lead to asthma in some children.

Some people are more sensitive to the effects of mold. However, people without a mold allergy can develop an allergy caused by ongoing exposure. Also, those with a compromised immune system are more vulnerable to respiratory infections and other serious health problems from mold spores.

Things to know about mold and your health

People with a sensitivity to mold will most likely react quickly to mold exposure but they may not realize mold is the source of their problems because the symptoms of a mold allergy are similar to seasonal or pet allergies. Even though mold is a common issue for homes, businesses, and schools, most doctors are unfamiliar with mold-related illnesses.

Misdiagnosis leads to ongoing suffering and potentially more serious health problems. Interventions that improve indoor air quality can prevent morbidity and respiratory illnesses that are brought on by mold exposure. A certified mold professional can conduct a thorough inspection and advise you of the extent of any existing mold problem.

A quick and effective solution

You should not gamble with mold and your health. The MoldExterm method is fast, affordable, effective, and does not create the mess of traditional mold remediation methods. Contact the mold experts at Stern Mold today for a free inspection and more information on our remediation guarantee.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information, News
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