Air purifiers are a great way to control the spread of mold particles in the air, as they capture and prevent them from reproducing and spreading throughout the house. While air purifiers don't help treat active mold that's already present on surfaces, they can be an effective solution for removing large amounts of mold spores from the air. However, they don't solve the underlying problems that can cause mold to grow in the home. Given the ineffectiveness or risks of other options, the only two acceptable solutions are HEPA and PECO-HEPA Tri-Power filters.
Any HEPA air purifier will remove mold spores from the air, while PECO technology contributes to their destruction. This is especially important for people with mold allergies, as exposure to mycotoxins – highly toxic byproducts produced by active mold colonies – can have serious side effects, even for those without allergies or asthma. In addition to its reliable HEPA filter, some air purifiers come with a pre-filter for pet hair and larger dust particles, a carbon deodorizing filter for smoke and food odors, and an optional ionizer that aims to remove the smallest particles from the air. While an air purifier can be a comfortable and easy way to get cleaner air, if you suspect mold in your home, it's best to see a professional (especially if mold affects an area larger than 10 square feet).
Using an air purifier can help improve indoor air quality by trapping mold spores. However, you'll still be exposed to other indoor air pollutants that weren't trapped. Therefore, an air purifier can remove mold from the immediate environment, but it won't remove all spores from your home. In addition, mold can grow and spread quickly, and air purifiers can't stop its growth because they lack detection capability. Along with taking appropriate preventative measures, an air purifier can go a long way in reducing mold allergen levels in the home.
People have been using air purifiers for decades to remove pollutants and bacteria found in the air. Now more than ever, people who suffer from allergies and asthma, and even those who aren't necessarily allergic to mold, are looking for a solution to their mold and mildew problems. Using an air purifier, along with taking other preventive measures, may offer a long-term solution that people with mold allergies should consider. For small areas with mold that affect surfaces smaller than 10 square feet, you can check out this blog for some home tips that you can safely try.