Mold Growth In The Coronavirus Pandemic And HVAC Systems?
Mold growth outside is natural and good for the environment. Mold is everywhere. However, Indoor mold growth can be very dangerous, especially when it is located in your HVAC system’s ductwork, coils, drip pans, and enclosures. This is especially dangerous because when left unchecked and not remediated properly, mold spores can circulate and spread through the air system in your home and infest the air that you breathe. Mold spore and Mycotoxins will attack your respiratory system, agitate your lungs and make it more difficult to breathe. As we all have heard from Health Officials, Coronavirus COVID-19, causes respiratory illnesses. The sinuses and lungs are usually affected first. Early symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. These will appear as soon as 2 days, or as long as 14 days, after exposure to the COVID-19 virus.
While most molds only produce allergenic properties and they can cause minor respiratory problems, itchy eyes, cough, sinus problems, etc., there are some molds such as Alternaria, AspergilluslPenicillium, and Stachybotrys that can cause more serious health complications. And they will affect primarily the lymph nodes, sinus, and respiratory organs.
Molds that produce mycotoxins, known as “toxic molds,” can be extremely harmful to your family. Daily exposure to these kinds of molds can cause even longer or more complicated recovery from Coronavirus. We highly recommend that you seek professionally trained Mold Hygienists to help you through these difficult times. It is crucial that with proper and Certified Professional Mold Testing, Air Quality Testing, and Comprehensive Inspection of the HVAC System or the affected area, you assure the well-being of your family and loved ones.
3 EASY WAYS TO SPOT MOLD GROWTH
- Keep your eyes peeled for visible mold — as well as the condensation and excess moisture that helps it grow. Whether it’s in your ductwork, evaporator coils, or drip pans, looking for mold is the easiest way to find it. If it’s drier, make it a part of your monthly furnace filter inspection.
- Look at all registers, visible ductwork, evaporator coils, and AC/furnace drip pans.
- Coils dehumidify the air and drip the resulting condensation into drip pans. If those coils are working too hard or drip pans are blocked, the resulting moisture becomes a perfect habitat for mold growth.
