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MOLD - BIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS |
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Biological contaminants
include bacteria, molds, mildew, viruses, animal
dander and cat saliva, house dust mites, cockroaches,
and pollen. There are many sources of these pollutants.
Pollens originate from plants; viruses are transmitted
by people and animals; bacteria are carried by
people, animals, and soil and plant debris; and
household pets are sources of saliva and animal
dander. The protein in urine from rats and mice
is a potent allergen. When it dries, it can become
airborne. Contaminated central air handling systems
can become breeding grounds for mold, mildew,
and other sources of biological contaminants and
can then distribute these contaminants through
the home. (See www.epa.gov/mold)
Is Mold Truly a Problem?
Yes, mold is an aspect of nature and plays an
important part in the decay of leaves and trees.
So Mold and Bacteria are good – outdoors!
But, inside your home or workplace they are not
good. Many people suspect that mold in their homes
may be causing their health problems, but are
unsure if air purifiers will help. Others find
the mold or musty smell in their homes unpleasant,
but don’t believe it causes problems; they
just want their homes to smell fresher. What is
the truth about mold?
Mold & Bacteria
There are many common molds and strains of bacteria
found indoors. Some mold spores and certain types
of bacteria can create serious health problems
for individuals. High concentrations of Mold and
Bacteria are usually associated with water or
high levels of moisture (humidity). Some molds
are extremely toxic (acute mold allergies) and
can cause significant health problems. Mold spores
that become airborne can easily be removed by
PurAir HEPA filters.
Health Problems?
Mold particles are small
enough to pass through the cilia in your sinuses
and too small to be easily exhaled, so they can
become lodged in your lung tissue. In comparison,
larger particles such as dust are usually caught
by the cilia before they enter the lungs. (Some
molds, called mycotoxins - they’re the products
of mold metabolism - are potentially toxic). Thus
molds which are inhaled do cause allergic reactions
in many people – generally in the form of
runny or sneezing noses, red eyes, rashes, and
the generally unwell feeling you get when you
have a cold or suffer from hay fever. The reaction
is often instant but sometimes may be delayed
for hours. Asthmatic people can also have allergic
reactions to the inhalation of mold. As is often
the case, infants, children, and the elderly can
be more greatly affected by mold inhalation than
healthy adults.
How do I get rid of it?
Whenever possible, remove
the mold completely and take steps so that it
doesn’t return. In the many cases when that
is not possible, use a high quality, HEPA mold
air purifier to continually absorb the airborne
spores. When PurAir Filters are run 24/7 they
actually work more efficiently. This will greatly
help in the reduction of mold spores in the airflow
you breathe. Since mold does have the potential
to slide right past the protective cilia in the
body and end up in the lung tissue, it’s
important to stop it before it has the chance
to reach your nose or those of your loved ones,
especially infants and children. The inhalation
of mold spores can cause allergic reactions in
sensitive people and asthmatics, and can cause
hay fever or cold-like symptoms in healthy, non-allergenic
people. Mold has to go!
That’s where continuously running PurAir
Filters for Pur Air systems can be of great assistance
in getting a clean indoors. If you can’t
entirely removed the mold or even find it, you
can quickly and easily remove the airborne spores
with HEPA PurAir Filters. If you allow the mold
spores to remain floating around inside and they
subsequently land in a wet area, the process begins
again with the growth of new mold.
Click
here for more information on the Good and Bad
of Mold |
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