North Jersey Mom's Mission: Rid The World Of Mold And Germs

WAYNE, NJ — Betsy Cirillo knew something was wrong. It was after her husband died. Her twin daughters were always sick. Eye infections, allergies, skin rashes and even an extended stay in the hospital due to Cellulitis.

Cirillo finally figured out what was causing it: Mold in her home. Since then she has made it her life's work to rid the world of mold and germs.

"I became obsessed with the environment and the effects it has on our health and well-being so when the opportunity arose to make this my career, I jumped at it," Cirillo said.

To that end, Cirillo and her business partner, Toni Gallira founded Pathogend of New Jersey. Cirillo lives in Wayne and Gallira grew up here but now lives in Clifton. The business offers hospital-grade decontamination services.

Gallira has a decade of experience of providing disinfection services to biomedical, clinical and health care industries. Both she and Cirillo are certified in mold remediation and inspection and certified in bloodborne pathogens.

"Our decontamination technologies allow us to quickly and safely create spaces that are virtually germ free. Drug resistance pathogens are on the rise and pathogens are becoming increasingly virulent," Cicillo said. "The need to address these changes in our environment is an ever-growing problem."

Gallira wants to use the business' resources and her and Cicillo's skills to make a difference for others.

"Traditional cleaning methods are no longer acceptable. The magnitude of outbreaks in our high schools and colleges alone should make parents and educators shiver," Gallira said. "We offer options and solutions to ease their mind."

The business handles all aspects of cleanup, including analysis and testing.

"Our goal is make sure little problems don't become big emergencies," Gallira said.

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Photo: Betsy Cirillo, left, and Toni Gallira and some of their equipment./Courtesy of Betsy Cirillo