Will an air cleaner help with a mold problem?
While
not the solution to a mold problem, a properly designed air cleaner
can help to reduce the impact of the problem. The solution to a mold
infestation will normally involve reducing ambient humidity and removing
or repairing other sources of moisture, such as leaks. Unfortunately,
finding and solving the problem can be a time consuming, difficult,
and expensive endeavor.
The impacts on humans, including allergic reactions, infections, and
odors, come primarily through respiration. For this reason, an air
cleaner using the proper technologies can help to reduce these impacts
while a solution to the underlying problems is sought.
Free standing self contained air cleaners can be operating immediately
to help reduce health effects and other negative impacts.
Because the mold spores and portions that break off are particulates,
an important part of the air cleaning approach is to use HEPA filters
to remove them from the air. Germicidal ultraviolet light can then
serve to disable the trapped spores. The odors associated with mold
are largely due to volatile organic compounds (VOC's) that are emitted
by the mold. These can be removed from the air by activated carbon.
As always, using a properly sized device that creates an optimum airflow
pattern is critical to ensuring that the airborne contaminants get
to the device for cleaning.
Use of ozone generators to deal with a mold infestation must only
occur in unoccupied spaces, and should not be attempted except by
properly trained professionals. The concentration of ozone necessary
to destroy mold can cause major health problems if inhaled.
