Tag Archives: Mold Information

Mold in the Workplace – OSHA Weighs in

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Feeling a Little Off at Work? Consider Mold as the Cause.

Feeling a Little Off at Work? Consider Mold as the Cause.

According to OSHA, more people are aware of the dangers of mold now than ever before. While mold and fungi are terms that are often used interchangeably, mold is actually a type of fungi than can cause serious health problems and concerns. Mold in the workplace is often an issue that is overlooked in many cases.

The Dangers of Mold

Mold tends to develop in areas that are damp, have high humidity, or where water damage has occurred. As soon as mold begins to develop, it can spread rapidly. It releases millions of spores that are air-borne, water-borne or even insect-borne. These spores are capable of producing mycotoxins, which can be hazardous to your health. Those at a greater risk of health issues include:

• Elderly people

• Infants and children

• People with asthma or allergies

• Pregnant women

Your Right to a Safe Workplace

As an employee, you have the right to a safe workplace, and employers have to follow strict guidelines to ensure your health and safety. The laws that are in place are there to protect you, and while most people assume the laws are mostly regarding your physical safety on the job, they also apply to your health. OSHA has laws in place to protect you, and if you feel that your rights are being violated because you work in a place that isn’t safe, you are encouraged to contact OSHA and file a report.

Help for Mold in the Workplace

Are you an employer who is fighting mold in the workplace? If you are, it helps to have professionals that you can count on. Contact Stern Mold to get the help you need.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information

Things You Need to Know About Mold

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What Do You Need to Know About Mold?

What Do You Need to Know About Mold?

If you’re experiencing scenes like this in your home or business, it’s time to get professional help with mold treatment. Damage to walls, floors, and ceilings as well as exposure to an unhealthy environment requires immediate attention.

About Mold

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has compiled a list of the things you need to know about mold. This short list provides an idea of how important it is to address mold issues as soon as possible.

  • Mold causes known health issues when humans are exposed to moldy areas, including upper respiratory problems, asthma, and allergic reactions.
  • The key to controlling mold and spores indoors is by controlling the moisture. This means eliminating sources of moisture.
  • Support the reduction of indoor humidity by using dehumidifiers, exhaust fans in the kitchen, and air conditioners. Reducing moisture may also require venting areas that generate moisture such as the bathroom and laundry room.
  • Remove mold by cleaning with a solution of detergent and water, and allow to dry.
  • Replace absorbent materials, such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy.
  • Install adequate insulation to reduce the risk of condensation accumulation on cold surfaces.
  • Do not install carpeting in areas susceptible to moisture such as in the bathroom.
  • Mold is not limited to just building materials. Some species of mold can grow anywhere moisture is present including carpet, paper, and wood substances.

Don’t let mold get hold of your home or business. With specialized mold treatment methods available from Stern Mold (versus standard destructive remediation processes), your property can be free and clear of unhealthy spores. Contact us using our convenient online form or call us to set up a free inspection.

Posted in Mold Information, Mold Treatment, News

Celebrities and Mold – Who’s Had a Problem?

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Mold Goes After Everyone

Mold Goes After Everyone

Mold and fungus, like bedbugs, are often presumed to be a consequence of poor housekeeping and lack of cleanliness. In fact, mold is an equal opportunity problem that has no respect for age, income, or personal habits.

Celebrities are just as vulnerable as anyone. Here’s a look at some well-known names who have fought battles against mold and fungus in their own homes.

Suzanne Somers

Actress Suzanne Somers and her husband suffered a terrible loss when their Malibu home burned down in a wildfire, but they had no idea of the problems waiting in their rental house. After both became chronically ill, they discovered an unfinished room full of mold underneath the house. The experience inspired Somers to write her book, Tox-Sick: From Toxic to Not Sick.

Ed McMahon

After contractors failed to adequately clean up water damage from a leaky pipe, McMahon’s six-bedroom home began to fill with mold that sickened him and his wife along with their staff, and eventually leading to the death of their beloved family dog. After a year, McMahon was awarded a multi-million dollar judgment for negligence and breach of contract.

Bianca Jagger

Mick Jagger’s glamorous ex-wife was living in a luxurious NYC apartment rented for $4,000 a month. After three independent tests revealed that the apartment was full of Aspergillus, Jagger began staying in hotel rooms or with friends. Her landlord then evicted her on the basis of violating the terms of her rent-controlled apartment by not actually living there.

NYC and Northern NJ Leaders in Mold Removal

Don’t fall victim to the insidious effects of mold and fungus. Contact Stern Mold today for a free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information, Mold Remediation

Mold, It’s All About Awareness First

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Mold Can Effect Your Home and In Turn, YOU, In Many Different Ways. Be on the Lookout!

Mold Can Effect Your Home and In Turn, YOU, In Many Different Ways. Be on the Lookout!

Having mold eliminated from your home is crucial in order to reduce the risk of health issues, but how do you even know if you have mold? There are a number of signs you should be aware of that could indicate mold growth in your home. If any of the following signs sound familiar, it’s time to look into mold treatment options.

Odors

Mold gives off an unpleasant odor that’s easy to detect. Keep in mind that it’s possible to smell mold without actually seeing any colonies since it can grow inside the walls of your home.

Allergies

If you’ve experienced symptoms of allergic reactions, such as sneezing and watery eyes, mold could be the culprit. Mold can cause respiratory problems as well, including coughing and trouble breathing. You’re more likely to have a mold allergy than an allergy to outdoor allergens if you notice that you feel worse when you’re inside your home and better when you’re away from it.

Visible Mold

One of the easiest ways to tell if you have a mold problem is by seeing their colonies growing in your home. Mold can have a variety of appearances, such as black spots, white threads and grayish clumps.

Water Damage

Leaks inside your home can cause water damage and create a damp, humid environment that mold thrives in. Signs of water damage include spots or stains on your ceilings or walls, bubbling paint or wallpaper, and bulging walls.

If you’ve noticed signs of mold in your home, contact Stern Mold. We provide mold treatment in NYC, NJ and Long Island.

Posted in Mold Information

Mold Propensity Index (MPI) for Property Managers

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Property Managers Need To Ensure Homes Are Free of Any Irritants, or a Family's Quality of Life Could Be Affected.

Property Managers Need To Ensure Homes Are Free of Any Irritants, or a Family’s Quality of Life Could Be Affected.

One of the worst situations you can come across as a property manager is finding out that one or more of your apartments has a problem with mold and fungus. Unfortunately, this issue can come up without warning in many cases, and once it does, it can spread like wildfire. However, you can protect your properties by completing an assessment of their risk for mold and fungus using the MPI, or Mold Propensity Index.

What is the MPI?

The MPI is a risk assessment that utilizes percentage points to determine a building’s probability of having issues with fungus and/or mold. The program asks you a series of questions to determine what your building’s risk level is. Once that part is completed, you’ll be given a score and then different tasks you can complete to lower the risk.

Other Benefits of the MPI Program

There are many other advantages to the MPI program as well. Completing this assessment prior to making a building purchase can give you insight into how much work will need to be completed to take care of mold and fungus problems. It also allows you to provide potential tenants with information prior to moving in so that their minds can be put at ease. Finally, it supplies you with all the data you need to not only control any current problems with fungus and mold, but also to prevent them from occurring in the future.

Having a mold inspection completed at your property is easily accomplished with the MPI program. However you can also opt for a professional inspection, which Stern Mold can help you with. Contact us today.

Posted in Mold Information
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