Air purifiers are a great way to control the spread of mold particles in the air. They don't help treat active mold that's already present on surfaces, but they can help remove moisture by preventing the spread of mold spores. Air purifiers are better for general air cleaning, as they not only attack air humidity, but also allergens and pollutants such as pollen, mold spores, smoke, and more. A dehumidifier doesn't eliminate these irritants, but it makes the indoor environment less conducive to mold and mildew growth, and can help treat moisture problems.
Using an air purifier can help improve indoor air quality by trapping mold spores. However, you'll still be exposed to other indoor air pollutants that weren't trapped. Air purifiers can remove mold from the immediate environment, but they won't remove all the spores from your home. In addition, mold can grow and spread quickly, and air purifiers can't stop its growth because they lack detection capability.
The best air purifiers for removing mold spores from indoor air are HEPA air purifiers. Air purifiers that use HEPA filters can capture particles from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that spreads COVID-19. Whether the spores come from an existing problem or if they're sneaking in from outside, if they're floating in the air, the air purifier can filter them before they have a chance to settle on surfaces. Air purifiers that emit ozone are usually indicated on the packaging or in the commercial descriptions. There is very little medical evidence to support that air purifiers directly help improve health or alleviate allergies and respiratory symptoms.
Working to reduce common sources of pollutants and increase the flow of fresh air into the home are crucial strategies when it comes to reducing air pollution risks. According to materials published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a good air purifier can handle the rest. Air purifiers usually consist of one or more filters and a fan that draws air and circulates it. Air purifiers have been shown to capture some mold spores, which are the airborne “seeds” that mold fungi produce to spread.
It's important to understand how an air purifier actually works before considering whether or not to remove mold. Air purifiers don't prevent mold from growing, so it's necessary to eliminate the source of moisture that allows it to grow. This is a standard measure that ensures that any air purifier works as the manufacturer says it will. As air passes through the filter, pollutants and particulates are captured, and clean air is returned to the living space.
