Indoor air pollution is a rising concern as it causes 1.3 million deaths in India. The deteriorating air quality, smog and other dangerous conditions adds to the woes of the present situation. Dust, pollens, PM 2.5, cigarette smoke and mold growth are some of the main reasons of indoor air pollution. Considering the increasing amount of pollution, it has become necessary to take the right measures to ensure that we breathe healthy at least at home. Mold growth is one of the most common reasons of indoor air pollution. Mold spores are invisible to human eyes which can become hazardous for your health. In this blog, we discuss the ways to deal with mold growth to help you breathe healthy.
What is Mold Growth?
Mold is a form of fungus that is used to break down any decaying organic matter. While the process is beneficial for many useful functions such as flavouring cheese, mold growth can also be extremely harmful. Mold feeds on wood, drywall, insulation and leather. Presence of favourable conditions such as humid climate or water damage help in mold growth and cause structural damage to your home. Items such as mattresses, furniture or carpeting may need repair or replacement in case of mold growth.
Health Effects of Mold Growth
The trouble begins when mold spores break from the colonies and fill into the indoor air. Molds use spores to spread across a place similar to pollens. The cilia or mucus present in the nasal lines can prevent dust particles from entering the nasal passages, mold spores are quite small and can easily pass through. People who suffer from mold allergies, face some severe symptoms as a result of mold growth. Prolonged exposure to mold can increase sensitivity and allergic reactions. In addition to this, mold growth also triggers asthma. Mold growth also poses a great risk to children, elderly, people with chronic lung problems and weak immune system. Some of the common symptoms of reaction to mold are:
- Redness in eyes
- Sore throat
- Blocked sinuses
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Rashes
- Itchy Skin
How Can Air Purifiers Help?
One of the most effective ways to prevent mold growth is by using air purifiers. Air purifier from some of the renowned brands release negative ions which attach to the spores and make them fall in the ground. Ozone air purifiers help in killing the mold spores present in indoor air to prevent these particles from stirring up when you walk. Air purifiers with HEPA filtration are the most effective devices you can use to remove mold spores. HEPA purifiers have filters that draw in air which passes through a series of filters. These filters neutralize the mold spores, thereby making the indoor environment clean and safe.
Some of HEPA air purifiers also come with a carbon pre-filter that eliminate odors present in a room because of mold growth. The musty smell present in a room because of mold growth is removed with the help of the pre-filter. However, it is essential to change the filters regularly to let the air purifier function smoothly.
The End Result
By using a HEPA air purifier, you can keep the indoor air clean and fresh. The air purifiers catch and trap the indoor air pollutants to make the indoor environment clean. The air purifiers play an important role in neutralizing the mold spores before they reach your lungs or form colonies on the walls or carpets of your home.