Mold spores can be a major health hazard for those who have mold allergies. If you live in a humid place, it is likely that your home will have some form of mold growing on its surfaces. Mold spores are all around us and they grow from the moisture in the air.
Removing mold spores in the air is vital for health reasons. This is especially true if you have a mold allergy and breathing in the spores causes your airways to tighten up, making it harder for you to breathe. This article will explore mold spores and what you can do to remove them from the air.
What are mold spores?
Mold spores are the reproductive part of a fungus. They are microscopic and float through the air, feeding off organic matter such as damp walls or decaying wood. Once they have landed on a suitable surface, spores will begin to germinate into mycelium which can then spread until it covers an entire area with its web-like structure.
Why is it important to remove mold spores from the air?
Mold spores are not dangerous in themselves. However, there are people who are sensitive to mold and can develop allergies and respiratory problems if exposed to too much of it.
How to remove mold spores from the air?
There are a number of ways in which you can get rid of the mold spores floating around your house or office. Here are some things you can do to remove mold spores in your Houston home:
Ventilate your home with fresh outdoor air
Open windows as frequently as possible, allowing for a flow of clean outside air into the house. Open doors between rooms to allow for this free-flowing movement. This will allow fresh air to circulate and push out any mold spores or other particles which have accumulated inside your home.
Keep your home clean
Having mold spores usually means that there is mold growing inside your house. Sprayable mold remover products are available which you can use to clean the surfaces of your home.
Use air purifiers
These appliances are effective against mold spores because they produce very fine, high-quality filtration that can remove particles as small as 0.003 microns – including the microscopic ones produced by molds.
Air purifiers work by using a HEPA filter to clean the air of any mold spores. These filters will capture and remove any mold spores present in the room. One purifier per room is usually the most optimal number for really good indoor air quality.
Install a dehumidifier in your home
If you have mold spores inside the house, install one of these appliances to regulate humidity levels and prevent their growth. A dehumidifier works by sucking up excess moisture from the air, and since mold thrives in areas with high humidity, it is effective at preventing the spread of spores as well as eliminating those that already exist.
Install HEPA filters on air-conditioning units
Installing these air filters on your A/Cs is an easy way to eliminate mold spores from the air and provide cleaner indoor air. Keeping the drain lines and drip pan dry also keeps molds from growing and spreading.
Exhaust fans
To remove mold spores from the air, consider installing exhaust fans in your bathrooms and other areas where moisture tends to gather. Exhaust ventilation systems are equipped with these high-powered fans that pull out moist air after it has been used by you or washed down the drain. This keeps humidity levels low, prevents molds from growing on walls, floors, and the ceiling.
Address and fix plumbing leaks
Fixing any potential water damage to the basement and other areas will also help prevent mold spores from growing in your home. Make sure your home is always dry and free of excess moisture.
Basement carpets are a bad idea
Since the basement is always the first place that water will get into the home, it is a bad idea to have carpets down there. They hold in moisture and promote the growth of mold. Make your basement clean and dry with tile or hardwood floors instead.
Consider getting an air quality professional
If after trying all these steps and you still have a mold problem, you should consider getting an air quality specialist to come in. They will inspect your home and remove all mold and mold spores for you so that you will have clean indoor air throughout your home.
Conclusion
Mold spores can pose a threat to you and your family’s health, so it is important to remove them from your home. Doing one or more of the steps outlined above will help remove mold spores from the air in your home.
Mold can be a serious problem that creates health issues, so, If you have done the steps outlined above but still have a mold problem, think about hiring a professional to help you remove all mold from your house and keep the mold spores out of the air in your home. If you need help with mold removal, than contact our team of experts at Air Quality Tech today!