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Did You Know?
Molds can produce toxic substances called
mycotoxins, which, when inhaled, can lead to skin rash, mucous
membrane irritation, immune system suppression, liver damage,
central nervous system damage, and cancer.
See Air Purifiers for
Mold and Biological Contaminants
Molds consist of all species of microscopic fungi that grow in
the form of multicellular filaments called hyphae. These fungi can
grow both indoors and outdoors, and at this time, there are tens of
thousands of mold species identified. While many species of molds
aid in the decomposition of organic material and play a huge role in
the recycling of nutrients throughout ecosystems, exposure to
mold spores can also produce toxic substances called mycotoxins,
which can be harmful to humans, animals, plants, and damage
buildings and furnishings.
In order to reproduce, these contaminants produce tiny spores
that settle on both indoor and outdoor surfaces. To survive, molds
will attach themselves to these surfaces, digesting anything in
sight and destroying the things they grown on. Ideal conditions for
their reproduction involve damp areas such as bathrooms, wood
products, basements, windows, and leaky faucets, pipes, and sinks,
which are breeding grounds for molds. In addition, humidity also
plays a factor, as hot and humid climates can contribute to fungi
growth.
While outdoor air normally contains some level of spores, the
presence of indoor mold spores can be a significant problem, as
closed, indoor environments can lead to millions of spores being
trapped, reaching concentrations that are hundreds of times higher
than outdoor levels. These extremely high levels of mold spores can
be detrimental to one's health.
In addition to being one the leading causes of allergies and
asthma attacks, molds can cause coughing, wheezing, eye irritation,
can weaken immune systems, and can even be lethal. Molds can also
cause serious infections in those with low immune systems or lung
problems. While the amount of mold found outdoors can be
difficult to avoid, the problem of indoor mold can be easily
controlled by the use of an air purifier.
Most fungal spores can range from 1 to 100 microns in size, and
many types can range between 2 and 20 microns. In other words, over
20 million five micron spores can fit on a postage stamp. Because
HEPA air purifiers can trap particles 0.3 microns or larger, they
are excellent at helping to control indoor fungal growth. However,
the use of HEPA filtration may not be enough. While mold can be
captured in filter media, the reproduction of spore growth must be
stopped. In order to accomplish this, the use of UV light is one of
the most effective ways to destroy molds and preventing them from
developing into a larger problem.
In addition, biological contaminants (or contaminants produced by
living things), can also be effectively controlled through the use
of a mold air purifier with UV technology. Biological pollutants such as
bacteria, viruses, animal saliva and dander, feces, dust mites,
insects, and pollen are commonly found indoors in sources like
mattresses, pets, and carpets, and can be distributed through
central air handling systems.
As well, tuberculosis, measles,
influenza, and staphylococcus infections are transmitted by air.
When contaminated air is passed through a mold air
purifier with UV light, spores, bacteria, viruses, and some organic
compounds are destroyed. The UV light in the air purifier destroys the DNA of
microorganisms and renders them harmless and unable to reproduce.
Since the spores are unable to reproduce, new colonies cannot be
formed. It is recommended that air purifiers aimed at controlling
indoor mold utilize both HEPA and UV technologies, as HEPA filters
trap the mold particles and UV light destroys them. Without the UV
component, filters can still act as a breeding ground for spores and
microorganisms.
See
Mold and Biological Pollutants
Return to the
Air Purifier Guide
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