Moulds are quite common in home and office buildings. They spread rapidly, and exposure to mould can be a source of several health issues, specifically for people with pre-existing respiratory illnesses or compromised immune systems.
The problem may begin in a less-usage area with high moisture and temperature, such as the attic or garage. However, microscopic mould spores are airborne and can reproduce in the walls, which can lead to effects on human health.
What is Mould?
Mould is a fungus that grows in several colours, including green, black and white. Damp and humid environmental conditions provide the ideal breeding ground for mould growth.
Common indoor mould types include Aspergillus and Stachybotrys chartarum, also known as black mould, and Penicillium. Moulds can grow on various surfaces, including carpet, wood and drywall.
The reproduction occurs when mould spores release into the air and settle on other surfaces for growth. Mould growth is also a consequence of poor ventilation and water leaks.
Different Types of Indoor Mould
There are different moulds that grow in homes and buildings. They all appear different in colour, appearance and texture. We have briefly discussed a few common ones below:
Aspergillus:
It is a common mould type that is found in different environments. Most people are exposed to Aspergillus, but the infection hardly occurs in people with healthy immune systems. It appears in flask-shaped spores and comes in different colours.
Cladosporium:
It is an allergenic mould that grows on fabric and carpets and is black, yellow or green in colour. Cladosporium can thrive in both cold and hot environments and spread quickly if not treated immediately. Exposure to this mould type can trigger respiratory symptoms and cause skin irritation.
Penicillium:
It grows in green and blue colours and has a velvety texture. It can grow on wallpaper, food and mattresses. These mould spores are highly associated with allergic reactions, respiratory issues and chronic sinusitis.
Alternaria:
It is an allergenic mould that comes in black or brown colour and grows on damp surfaces, such as tiles, bathtubs and shower curtains. Alternaria is dangerous because of its rapid growth in dry areas as well. The spores are known to cause allergic reactions and trigger asthma and respiratory issues.
Stachybotrys Chartarum:
Often known as black mould, Stachybotrys chartarum categorizes as toxic mould. It grows in moist environments in black or green colour with a slimy texture. This mould also has a musty odour and can cause depression and fatigue.
Air Purifiers For Mould: Are They Effective?
An air purifier for mould effectively eliminates spores from indoor air and improves air quality. However, it is crucial to note that air purifiers do not fight against active mould growth.
They are effective in preventing the reproduction and growth of airborne particles. We advise you not to rely on installing air purifiers but use them in conjunction with traditional remedies for surface cleaning.
Choosing the Best Air Purifier for Mould
The best air purifier for mould is the one that features true High-efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters.
There is a difference between a standard and true HEPA filter, as the latter is powerful enough to capture microscopic mould spores with 99.995 per cent efficiency. Air purifiers that come with UV-C light technology are also proven effective in fighting mould spores and preventing reproduction.
Another important consideration while choosing an air cleaner is to go for the one that suits your room size and comes with a high Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) and multiple air exchanges per hour.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that mould growth can be dangerous for every individual, specifically ones with weak immune systems. Air purifiers, like Euromate’s, effectively eliminate mould reproduction; however, it is best to use them in conjunction with other remedies for effective outcomes.
