Mold & Biological Contaminants

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 Pollutant Purifiers

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