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Which Air Purifiers Filter Out Mold Spores?
9/17/2022 (Permalink)
Which Air Cleaners Remove Mold Spores?
Air purifiers are helpful for lowering mold spore concentrations in interior air. High-efficiency particulate air filtration technology is not capable of eliminating spores or stopping mold from spreading through a residence located in Mehlville, MO. An air purifier is most useful for reducing the amount of spores that remain following mold remediation.HEPA Air Purifiers
A HEPA filter meets a standard for filtering airborne particulates set by the U.S. Department of Energy. This standard includes all of the following specifications:
- Removes at least 99.97% of airborne particles
- Captures particles 0.3 microns in diameter and larger
- Meets retention requirements for a HEPA class
There are several classes of HEPA filters, including three classes -- E, H and U. Each class has three subcategories. E class filters have the lowest average retention rate, while U filters have the highest rates of averaged and spot retention.
Carbon Air Filtration
A carbon air filter is used primarily to remove gases. This makes this type of filter useful for eliminating microbial volatile organic compounds released during the metabolic cycle of mold. Carbon filters are effective at capturing spores and mVOCs, making this style of purifier useful for homes undergoing mold remediation.
Ionic or Electrostatic Filters
Ionic and electrostatic filters both function by causing particles to drop down to surfaces where they can be cleaned. A HEPA-rated vacuum can be used to get rid of mold spores that drop down out of the air during operation of these types of charged filters. Technically, both of these filters are ionic and may contribute unwanted ozone to indoor air.
Any air purifier will be of limited use prior to taking measures to resolve a mold problem at a household in Mehlville, MO. HEPA, carbon, or ionic air filtration equipment will be most effective when this air quality technology is deployed during the later stages of mold remediation and cleanup.