If your child's asthma attacks are getting worse — more frequent, harder to control, not responding the way they used to — and your doctors keep adjusting the medication without a clear answer, the problem may not be the treatment plan. It may be your home. Mold is one of the most well-documented environmental asthma triggers in children, and in the older housing stock across New York City, New Jersey, and Connecticut, hidden mold is far more common than most families realize

Can mold grow in air conditioners and air ducts? Mold can grow inside air conditioners and air ducts wherever moisture and organic material are present. Components like evaporator coils and drip pans create ideal conditions for mold growth, especially in humid environments like NYC apartments — where aging building infrastructure, deferred maintenance, and coastal humidity combine to make HVAC mold one of the most common hidden environmental problems inspectors find. If you

If your child has been dealing with a persistent cough, recurring congestion, or unexplained rashes that doctors keep attributing to allergies — mold exposure could be the cause. Children are significantly more vulnerable to mold than adults, and in older housing stock across New York City and New Jersey, hidden mold is far more common than most families realize. Here is what to look for, when to be concerned, and when to call a professional. What are the symptoms of mold exp

Mold vs Mildew — What's the Difference and Why It Matters

You have seen them at Home Depot. A $30 kit, a petri dish, some instructions, and a promise to tell you whether your home has mold. Compared to a professional mold inspection, the price difference feels enormous. So the question every NYC and NJ homeowner asks is obvious — can a DIY mold test kit do the same job for a fraction of the cost? The honest answer is: sometimes, but rarely when it actually matters. This guide breaks down exactly what DIY mold test kits can and canno

Living in the five boroughs means dealing with a lot — cramped spaces, loud neighbors, and surprisingly brutal summers. But one problem that doesn't get talked about enough is mold. It shows up behind bathroom tiles, under kitchen sinks, and inside walls where you'd never think to look. And once it takes hold, it doesn't leave quietly. There were over 41,000 HPD mold complaints filed in New York City in fiscal year 2024 alone. That number isn't a fluke — it reflects something

Living in New York City or New Jersey means dealing with a variety of weather conditions, from humid summers to heavy coastal storms. These shifting climates create the perfect environment for an unwelcome houseguest: mold. While a small damp patch in the basement might seem harmless, indoor mold can quietly impact your family's health, damage your property, and compromise your indoor air quality in ways that are not always immediately obvious. Many homeowners do not realiz

A rising collection of studies done lately has shown the important link between environmental pollutants and gastrointestinal health. Among the most worrisome are mold poisoning and VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) exposure, which can throw off the balance of the gut flora and cause chronic health problems. To find concealed triggers in patients with ongoing gut problems, functional medicine doctors are progressively looking to mold and VOC testing. Helping consumers identify

Often ignored, environmental testing is a key component of the always-changing field of architecture and design. The growing significance of incorporating environmental evaluations into the architectural design process is driven by concerns about building safety, indoor air quality, and sustainability. Written by BNF Consulting Inc. (BNF), this paper investigates the importance of environmental testing for architects based in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Overlooking

Yes, mold thrives by feeding off of its source. This can weaken a home's structural support. Why is Mold a structural hazard? Mold is a...

One year ago the skies grew dark and a storm was upon us as the clouds unleashed massive amounts of rain. We knew it was coming but no one was really prepared for all the flooding and damage. Parkways raged with water sweeping cars away. Rivers, brooks, streams, ponds, and lakes overflowed barging their way into streets and homes with up to 10 feet of water. Some people even had a few fish come into their homes along with the water. More than three inches of rain fell in one

Why Quality Matters People’s definition of quality varies. People have described quality as: Conformance to requirements Freedom from...

Justin H. Joe, Ph.D., CIH, CSP, CPE, and Paula Shearer Can you sell a home with mold? Worried about your health or that you may be...

Justin H. Joe, PhD, CIH, CSP, CPE, and Paula Shearer Have concerns about the growth of mold in your home? You are in good company. Many...

Justin H. Joe, PhD, CIH, CSP, CPE & Philip Koh, PharmD The COVID-19 global pandemic has impacted almost every aspect of our society....

By Justin H. Joe, PhD, CIH, CSP, CPE Recently, there has been an increase in evidence showing a correlation between indoor mold and...