The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted a study in 2023, revealing that approximately 50% of homes in the United States have mold, although other sources suggest this figure could be as high as 70%. Mold is more prevalent in humid regions, particularly in the Southeastern United States, and tends to thrive during the summer months. It can grow in various areas within a home, including bathrooms, kitchens, basements, crawlspaces, kitchen cabinets, attics, laundry rooms, underneath flooring, and even inside air conditioners.
According to Steve Fontaine, recognized as “America’s indoor air quality expert”™, choosing the right air purifier is crucial for addressing airborne mold spores. He recommends using a HEPA 13 or 14 filtered standalone air purifier, which effectively cleans the air within 15 minutes of operation.
Fontaine stresses the significance of ensuring that the air purifier provides at least five clean air exchanges per hour and advises opting for models with a lifetime or 10-year warranty. He also suggests specific models for different room sizes, such as a $59 bedroom air purifier and a $240 living room air purifier, both with lifetime warranties. Of course, apart from selecting the correct brand and model of air filter, Fontaine also advises regularly performing maintenance on said purifiers so as to maintain proper condition year-round.
Steve Fontaine, “America’s indoor air quality expert”™, says that there is a solution that is inexpensive and can help remediate airborne mold spores. The solution is a HEPA 13 or 14 filtered standalone air purifier, they plug right into the wall, and you can turn them on and it begins to clean the air in the first 15 minutes.
The CDC recommends five clean air exchanges per hour and Fontaine only recommends you need to come with a lifetime warranty or a 10 year warranty, Fontaine said “in my opinion if a manufacturer is not willing to stand behind the product I would recommend you get a different manufacturer, Air quality is not something that you can be cheap with, although I can recommend a $59 bedroom air purifier and a $240 living room, air purifier that both have a lifetime warranty. They’re absolutely worth every single penny, and I myself personally use them in my home and office.”
Mold can remain hidden behind walls, in the ceiling, and under carpet for years. It only becomes a problem when the concentration of spores is greater than what is found outside. Mold can cause serious respiratory health issues, especially in young children who are more affected during their early years due to smaller airways and still-developing immune systems. Families with little air flow in their homes are particularly susceptible to these issues.
For those interested in learning more, you can reach out directly to Steve Fontaine. He is a community advocate, national indoor air, quality expert, and a friend to parents and educators across the country. You can visit stevefontaine-iaq.com for a free consultation or free advice.
