Following a natural disaster, or any extreme weather incident, such as torrential rain and historic flooding like that was recently seen across the southern United State, there can be many unfortunate side effects to worry about. One of these is air quality.
According to the American Lung Association, “you risk inhaling dust, building materials, contaminants, and microorganisms during cleanup efforts, which also add to lung disease complications.” This means it’s extremely important to protect yourself, friends, and family from exposure to airborne particles. According to the Centers for Disease Control, exposure to damp and moldy environments may cause a variety of health effects. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency noted similar evidence, stating that some molds can even trigger asthma episodes in sensitive individuals or those with asthma. The CDC also stated that;
“In 2004 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people; with asthma symptoms in people with asthma; and with hypersensitivity pneumonitis in individuals susceptible to that immune-mediated condition. The IOM also found limited or suggestive evidence linking indoor mold exposure and respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children.”
The good news is there are many steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from mold and mold related illness. These include:
- Controlling humidity levels;
- Promptly fixing leaky roofs, windows, and pipes;
- Thoroughly cleaning and drying after flooding;
- Ventilating shower, laundry, and cooking areas.
- Utilizing a True HEPA quality air purifier
Our expert research teams at APC “found that not as many quality air purifiers are effective at removing airborne mold from an indoor environment as you might think”… and that air purifiers which specifically feature “silver ion technology inhibit the growth of collected mold spores on the filter.” So what should you look for in the best air purifiers?
How Important Is Air Quality To My Quality Of Life?
We often don’t think twice about having a refrigerator, dishwasher or microwave, but how many of us are guilty of neglecting to think about air purifiers as just as essential, if not more essential, than any of those? From the people at higher risk for breathing problems, such as children, the elderly, and those with health issues like severe allergies or COPD, to those who simply want to know that the air in their homes is as safe as the water they drink inside it, nearly everyone can find a reason to care about their air. The average person will take about 672 Million breathes in their lifetime. Make sure they are the best they can be. It can make a bigger impact on your quality of life than you may expect.
Where Should You Place Your Air Purifier?
Wherever you spend the most time is where you are going to want to keep your air purifier. In the case of severely poor air conditions being found throughout the home or space, multiple air purifiers are required in order to complete a total air solution. If necessary, you can move your air purifier from room to room during the day, but in order to truly eliminate the airborne issues, a purifier in each room will still be best. Many air purifiers now feature smart modes that will adjust usage automatically, but you can also leave your air purifier/s off while cleaning and then turn the air purifier on afterward in order to remove what may have been stirred up during cleaning. Unfortunately, depending on what the wind carries in and how much rain you get, you may find it necessary to clean daily for a while.
How Often Should You Replace Your Filter?
If you already own an air purifier with replaceable filters you will first want to determine how long it has been since you last replaced the filters. If you have a unit with a filter indicator light, it can be easy to know whether your filter is in good shape or not. If you have other air purifier brands that you have to check the filter manually, try to determine how long it has been since you changed the filters. One tip to use in this type of situation is to clearly mark the date on the filter on the day you replace it, for future reference. If your filters do need to be replaced, quickly obtain new filters to ensure maximum effectiveness. It is also important that you change or clean the pre-filter on your air purifier which will help prevent the HEPA filter from filling up with the particles too quickly.
Breathing clean air is a crucial part of staying happy and healthy, in the same line of importance as your food and water. Explore all of our HEPA filter air purifiers and find the right fit for your air quality concerns today.
