Over 50% of homes in America have mold growing in them. Mold can be a hassle to deal with, especially in damp areas such as basements. So, are air purifiers of any use for mold and mildew removal?
Although air purifiers do not remove mold and mildew from the wall, they can help prevent the formation of mold in the first place by removing mold spores from the air.
Air Purifiers With HEPA Filters Can Help Prevent Mold Formation
Mold forms when tiny mold spores floating in the air land on a damp surface. These particles are so small they can not be seen with the naked eye. Air purifiers with HEPA filters can capture these mold spores in the air before they land on a damp surface and start to form mold.
Mold spores in the air can also cause a variety of health effects, including allergic and respiratory issues. Fortunately, HEPA filters are very effective at filtering out mold spores.
HEPA Filters Are Extremely Effective In Capturing Mold Spores From the Air
Just how effective are HEPA filters at removing mold spores from the air? First, let’s take a look at the size of mold spores.
How Large Are Mold Spores?
Mold spores are typically between 3 microns and 40 microns in size. In comparison, a human hair is around 70 microns in diameter.
How Effective Are Hepa Filters at Capturing Mold Spore Particles?
HEPA filters are extremely effective at capturing particles of all different sizes, including particles far smaller than mold spores. An air purifier using a HEPA filter can capture over 99.97% of mold spore-sized particles in one pass.
With a strong enough air purifier, nearly all of the mold spores in a house or basement can be removed within 30 minutes.
Studies Show the Use of HEPA Air Purifiers Significantly Reduced Symptoms Related to Mold Spores
A study showed the use of a HEPA air purifier in a bedroom significantly reduced levels of mold spores in the room. It also led to a variety of improvements in the health of the participants, including improved sleep quality, reduced sneezing, and scratchy throat, reduced cough, better mood, and more.
Read More: Studies Show HEPA Air Purifiers Reduce Pollen and Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
How to Choose an Air Purifier for Mold
To find a HEPA air purifier for mold spore removal, there are a few things to know. Ignore the marketing hype and avoid buying purifiers with add-ons such as ionizers and UV lights that can make your air worse. A HEPA filter is all that is needed for removing mold spores and other allergens from the air. There is also no correlation between an air purifier’s price and effectiveness.
In addition, make sure the air purifier is strong enough for the room it will be used in.
Check out our four step guide on how to choose the best purifier for more information on finding the best air purifier.
For more information on mold removal and prevention for your home or basement, look into humidity control and removal methods.
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