Mold in an HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system can lead to serious health issues. When an air conditioner or furnace is turned on, thousands of microscopic mold spores are blown out through the system and into the air we breathe. Mold in duct work can cause multiple health effects, including runny nose, eye irritation, coughing, congestion, asthma attack and skin rash.
What is Mold?
Mold is one of the most common forms of fungi known. Fungi includes yeasts, mildews, puffballs, and mushrooms. Mold grows in warm, damp and humid conditions such as . It spreads and reproduces by making spores.
Where do you find Mold?
One common area where mold is found is in your HVAC ventilation system. Mold is found both indoors and outdoors, and floats in the air we breathe. It can grow almost anywhere, and on any substance where it is damp.
Signs of Mold
• Mold odor (Don’t ignore mold odors if you can’t see any mold)
• Visible mold growth
If You Find Mold
If you can smell mold or see mold growth, even if it’s only small, you should take action immediately. Small mold patches can spread quickly. The fact that there is mold shows that the conditions in your home or business are right for mold to grow. Contact an experienced professional to evaluate the situation and recommend the proper corrective action.
Health Effects from Exposure to Mold
• Sneezing
• Runny Nose
• Eye irritation
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Congestion
• Asthma attack
• Skin Rash
Severe Reactions
• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
• Allergic Reaction
• Infection
• Toxin-mediated conditions
Preventive Tips
• Visual inspection
• Inspect ventilation system regularly
• Clean air ducts and all components
• Change air filters
• Regular inspection of drainage systems
• Clean wet or damp spots immediately
Our Preventive Maintenance Plan can help alleviate any mold issues with your air conditioning and ventilation system. We will regularly inspect and clean all major components of your system, including drainage pans, coils, filters and humidifiers.
Call us to handle any mold issues within your air conditioning and ventilation systems.
Disclaimer: The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.
References
1. Basic Facts – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
2. Preventing Mold-Related Issues in the Indoor Workplace – OSHA
