Mold is a widespread problem in recent times, with the high use of mold-friendly stuff in humid climates and construction; it’s one of the most common causes that adversely affects the air quality indoors.

Because of the COVID-19 virus spread, individuals are more concerned about the possible danger bad air quality could actually cause. The air purifiers are proven to assist with different allergic reactions and flu-like symptoms by reducing airborne particles. But does an air purifier help with mold?

With the overall boost in the respiratory ailments within the population, the air purifiers may be seen as a helpful solution to rid the air in the house of contaminants and irritants. But just how helpful are they? And do the air purifiers assist with condensation, dampness, and mold?

What we get up to in the houses, the house ventilation’s condition and even outdoor contamination sources penetrating the houses all contribute to the air quality we breathe. The WHO did an investigation on the impact of mold and dampness on indoor air quality and discovered that the presence of mold made the symptoms of different respiratory conditions and asthma worse.

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Does An Air Purifier Help With Mold?

The mold spores are between one and three microns in size, and the HEPA filters provided in the air purifiers can filter different such particles down to the size of 0.3 microns with a precision of 99.97 percent. The HEPA air purifiers not just catch airborne mold spores but also have UV lights and particular filters that can obliterate the mold, as mentioned by the EPA.

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), mold exposure can cause shortness of breath and even fever in a few situations. The air purifiers are highly efficient at alleviating the symptoms thanks to their efficacy against indoor allergens. Contrary to popular belief, air purifiers can really slow down the mold spread too.

Are All Mold Types Harmful?

No, Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports recommend that individuals can experience a lot of diverse effects or none at all because of mold. Individuals can experience symptoms such as itchy eyes, wheezy breath, and a stuffy nose when they come in contact with different mold spores. Mold can actually be categorized into:

  • Allergenic: It can trigger allergies and different allergic reactions like asthma.
  • Toxigenic: It can fabricate toxic substances that can gravely hamper health.
  • Pathogenic: It can cause health issues in patients already suffering from some acute illness.

Although there are numerous types, not everybody develops an allergy, and molds can’t be tested through blood tests.

Can An Air Purifier Get Rid Of Mold Altogether?

No, the air purifiers trap mold spores and other irritating allergens on their filter surface. It decreases the number of different microscopic spores present in the air and will slow down the reproduction and spread.

But because the main source of mold isn’t coped with, it’s not a permanent fix. If you have a noticeable mold growth issue, the air purifiers will offer you breathable and clean air but cannot assist with the mold infestation.

The efficacy of air purifiers isn’t limited to decreasing mold spores; charcoal/carbon filters present in the air cleaners can get rid of household odors, mold smells, and other organic compounds. But that’s the help that the air purifier can offer against mold. To effectively get rid of mold and its harsh health effects, there are some changes that should be made.

Do HEPA Filters Assist With Mold?

The air purifiers are the first line of protection as you start an assault against mold. While the suitable approach relies on the mold type at hand, for an air purifier, there’s no disparity between types of mold as all types have a size of between four and twelve microns, according to different studies.

The four to twelve-micron size range is well within the HEPA filters’ filtration efficiency. For successful cleaning, the air purifier’s placement is extremely significant. The targeted approach is great for combating it.

It’s great to position your HEPA air purifiers in the upholstered furniture, bathrooms, basements, rooms with carpets, and kitchens, which are the favorite places for mold growth. The HEPA air purifier also takes care of airborne germs, dust mites, and pet dander and can assist in easing the asthmatic reactions. The carbon pre-filter can also assist in tackling smells.

Since mold spores can spread extremely rapidly, replacing the HEPA filter often is suggested. Hygrometers can assist in monitoring the humidity levels in the house. If the levels of humidity are beyond the threshold, making use of the dehumidifier can assist as mold growth needs a dark and damp environment.

According to CDC, if there’s mold present on the hard surfaces, the soap water or a bleach solution of no more than one cup of house bleach in one gallon of water can be utilized to get rid of the mold from the originating surface.

It, coupled with a good air purifier that eliminates airborne spores, will decrease the odds of a relapse. If the place is way beyond redemption and is actually claimed by mold, dumping the material is the best choice.

How To Know If The Air Purifier Is Assisting With Mold?

There are numerous ways you’ll be capable of telling if the air purifier is assisting with mold.

  • Air Test Kits:

You can pay for a single-use house test kit to check how well the air purifier is actually working. Each one works a little differently, so make certain to follow the directions.

  • Smell:

Mildew and mold usually give the house a musty odor. Within a few days of utilizing the air purifier, this odor ought to dissipate, leaving the house smelling cleaner.

  • Digital Air Quality Monitors:

If you desire to keep a record of the air quality consistently, you might desire to buy a digital air quality monitor, which can notice most particles present in your air and record them. It can also assist you in monitoring when it’s time to change the filter in the air purifier.

  • Has The Mold Returned?

If you’ve taken each measure for getting rid of the mold by eliminating as much of it as you can and resolving the original cause of the dampness, you ought to find that your air purifier stops spores from repopulating the house and causing more mold to cultivate.

Conclusion:

Yes, the air purifier that can really filter different microscopic particles less than one micron in size is helpful in getting rid of mold. The air purifiers can assist with different mold allergies and can prove to be a useful weapon against mold remediation.

The medical-grade True HEPA filter, paired with the UV light sanitizing method, can assist in destroying the mold DNA, further decreasing any chance of a comeback. While the air purifiers assist against mold, not maintaining them makes them the breeding ground for it.

The filters trap mold spores that can begin growing because of the humidity in the air. Be certain to make use of the purifier that comes with the UV light bulb or a more than 3-stage filtration system to make certain the air stays safe and clean to breathe in.