What Do Mold Spores Look Like?

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If You're Allergic to Mold, Knowing What Mold Smells Like can Save you an Allergic Reaction.

If You’re Allergic to Mold, Knowing What Mold Smells Like can Save you an Allergic Reaction.

There are well over 1,000 different types of mold. It can grow anywhere that it has moisture, food, and the right temperature. This fungus is so common that you may take it for granted when you see it under a sink or growing along the exposed floor joists in your basement or crawl space. Don’t ignore mold.

Mold spores

Mold spreads and reproduces via spores. These spores are tiny; three to 40 microns. That is too small to be seen with the naked eye. These tiny spores easily become airborne and cause allergic reactions in some people. A 2004 study by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found evidence that exposure to indoor mold could cause respiratory illnesses in otherwise healthy children.

Dangers of mold spores

Since mold often grows in out of the way places and the spores are too tiny to be seen, mold can thrive and cause health issues for building occupants without them realizing the source. Spores may cause eye irritation, sore throat, headaches, skin irritations, or other symptoms that compromise a person’s quality of life and later lead to more serious illness. Unless a doctor specializes in mold-related illness, they may give an incorrect diagnosis that leads to ongoing suffering and frustration.

The best solution

A report by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that as many as 50% of all U.S. buildings have water damage or moisture conditions that could lead to mold growth and illness from mold spores. The experts at Stern Mold have more than 20 years experience effectively treating mold and protecting properties from future mold problems. Contact us today for a free inspection and consultation.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, News

What is a Mold Remediator and Why Should You Use One?

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NORMI Certified

NORMI Certified

Mold is a common problem that can affect any home or business. Much like common medical conditions, if not treated properly, it can result in serious long-term problems. There are many different types of mold and some are known to be highly toxic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to mold can cause asthma in some children and breathing problems in otherwise healthy adults. If you suspect you have mold, don’t take any chances with the health of your loved ones, employees, or customers. Consult a mold expert.

NYC mold remediator

The National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors (NORMI) works to protect the public by certifying mold inspectors, remediators, and environmental professionals with high-quality training. Not all home inspectors are NORMI certified and not all contractors who offer mold remediation services are actually qualified to do so.

Thoroughly inspecting for the presence of mold and effectively eliminating it should only be done by mold experts who are knowledgeable about mold and have years of experience. Be sure any mold professional you hire is a NORMI certified mold inspector and NYC mold remediator.

Remediation vs. treatment

Traditional mold remediation methods are costly and can disrupt a business or household for weeks while walls are torn out and replaced. The MoldExterm treatment method eliminates the mold problem rather than just masking symptoms. It is quicker, safer, and more effective than traditional methods.

Stern Mold has been serving commercial and residential customers in Long Island, New Jersey, and New York City for more than 20 years. Contact us today for a free inspection and consultation on our guaranteed mold extermination treatment.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, Mold Remediation, Mold Treatment, News

What is a Mold Assessor and Why Should You Use One?

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NORMI Certified

NORMI Certified

Mold spores affect people differently. People with severe allergies or a compromised immune system can develop serious health problems from mold exposure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that otherwise healthy people who are exposed to mold can develop a cough and upper respiratory tract problems. Mold exposure may lead to asthma in some children.

A NYC mold assessor

A Certified Mold Assessor (CMA) is a person who has completed extensive training in mold assessment. They are fully licensed and insured by the state in which they practice. There are no established standards for judging what is a safe level or tolerable amount of mold spores for a living area. There are many (possibly thousands) different types of mold and some or more toxic than others.

The best method of determining if your home has mold and what type of mold it has is with a thorough professional inspection by a CMA and a lab analysis of the sample. Home inspectors are typically not mold experts. Having a NYC mold assessor inspect a home prior to purchase can save you a lot of money later in medical bills and mold remediation costs.

You may have heard horror stories of expensive homes having to be completely destroyed due to mold. Those instances are extremely rare. Perhaps you have seen homes with the walls being torn out by workers wearing hazmat suits. That extreme is typically not necessary either to thoroughly eliminate a mold problem. The MoldExterm method used by Stern Mold is a much safer, effective, and economical option. Contact us today for more details.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, Mold Treatment, MoldExterm, News

Learn About Mold: What Are The Signs of a Mold Related Illness?

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Learn About Mold: What Are The Signs of a Mold Related Illness?

Learn About Mold: What Are The Signs of a Mold Related Illness?

You’ve heard all the news stories and reports about the health risk of exposure to mold. What you might be unclear about is how to recognize the signs of a mold-related illness.

Have you or a family member been experiencing any of these symptoms with seemingly no cause? It might be time to seek professional NYC mold removal for your home or business.

Physical Ailments

• Microscopic mold spores are ingested with every breath you take, so they can trigger upper respiratory allergic reactions even in people who have no history of allergies. Symptoms range from sneezing and runny nose to coughing and wheezing.

• Mold can aggravate existing respiratory problems such as asthma, while people with immune system deficiencies can develop lung infections.

• Some varieties of mold contain mycotoxins that can irritate your digestive system, resulting in nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pains and loss of appetite.

• Unexpected weight gain is a surprising side effect of mold exposure. Mycotoxins can disrupt the balance of leptin, a hormone that regulates appetite.

• If you experience that familiar tingling of your extremities “falling asleep” without obvious cause, it could be mycotoxins affecting sensory nerves.

Mental Symptoms

• Prolonged mold exposure can lead to the disturbing problem known as “brain fog,” involving cognitive difficulties such as memory loss and inability to focus.

• Depression can be caused directly by mold exposure or indirectly by perceived lack of control over your environment.

Contact Stern Mold for Professional NYC Mold Removal

Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? Contact us today to schedule a free mold inspection by our helpful and experienced technicians.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information, MoldExterm, News, NJ Mold Removal, NYC Mold Removal

Tips on Preparing for Your NYC Mold Inspection

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Tips on Preparing for Your NYC Mold Inspection

Tips on Preparing for Your NYC Mold Inspection

If you suspect mold, there’s no harm in requesting a free NYC mold inspection to be certain. In the meantime, protect yourself by staying away from the mold and closing off those rooms, if possible.

Can I Clean Before My NYC Mold Inspection?

We can find mold even after you have wiped up the most visible spots. However, you should stop cleaning and wait for the professionals to arrive.

We ask that you stop cleaning for several reasons:

• DIY cleaning can actually kick up mold spores into the air, spreading the problem.

• It may not be safe for your respiratory health to clean mold yourself.

• Our mold inspector can find hidden mold, but it’s helpful for us to see the full state of the problem when we arrive.

What to Do with the Mold Problem Area

The best way to prepare a site for mold inspection? Leave it alone and seal it off. Mold thrives and spreads when it has moisture and airflow. Close air vents and seal doors and windows with plastic wrap to prevent further mold growth.

Also, try not to remove items from the infected areas. Objects likely have mold spores on them, so you don’t want to transfer them elsewhere in the building.

A Free NYC Mold Inspection—With Faster, Better Mold Treatment!

Stern Mold uses a more efficient method than traditional mold remediation. We don’t tear out walls, so you can avoid remodeling. We use a powerful polymer that contains silver, a natural antimicrobial. Then we seal surfaces with a barrier that prevents mold from growing back.

Get started now by requesting a free NYC mold inspection today!

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Remediation, Mold Treatment, MoldExterm, News, NJ Mold Removal, NYC Mold Removal
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