How HVAC Systems Improve Air Quality & Keep Your Family Safe

People often think of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems as a combination of methods to maintain an appropriate environment for occupants of a building or home. While this is one of its major functions, HVAC systems are also necessary for maintaining a healthy breathing environment for occupants of a given space. One common problem of homes with poorly designed or maintained HVAC systems is the issue of mold growth within a home.

What is Mold?

The term “mold” refers to any number of a wide variety of fungal organisms. There are thousands of different types of fungi, many of which are useful or innocuous to humans. Some fungi have been extremely important to humans – the antibiotic penicillin is derived from a type of mold and has been of immeasurable benefit in reducing the severity of bacterial infections in humans since its discovery. However, some molds can be harmful to humans, especially in large quantities, or in the case of long-term exposure. Molds, like all fungi, produce spores during reproduction that can survive for long quantities of time when suspended in the air. When inhaled, these spores can cause a variety of health issues.

Why They Are Bad for Health?

There are several routes through which mold spores can affect human health. Mold spores can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. These allergies may be minor, resulting in the occasionally runny nose or inflamed sinus. However, these same spores can also be an influential factor in developing asthma, a chronic respiratory condition that can have severe consequences for individuals living with the disease. Individuals may also develop bronchitis, or an inflammation of the tubes that carry air through the lungs, following exposure to mold spores. Skin irritation from exposure to molds is also possible.

Chronic exposure to molds is especially concerning for individuals with conditions that weaken the immune system. A strong and healthy immune system will help an individual to avoiding falling ill from exposure to molds. However, individuals with a weakened immune system will be more susceptible to fungal diseases. In immune-compromised individuals, such as individuals with HIV, fungal diseases can be fatal.

Individuals are at risk for fungal infections if their homes or offices are poorly equipped to manage moisture. Humid areas present a constant risk for mold growth, as do areas where flooding is common. Fungal spores are hardy organisms, designed by nature to survive in difficult conditions for long periods of time. As a result, it is very difficult to eliminate mold growth once it has taken hold. Individuals can eliminate the threat of mold-induced illness by preventing the buildup of moisture and quickly fixing issues with water leaks and poor drainage.

More Information

For those wishing to learn more about the effects of mold on indoor air quality, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a wealth of information about mold online at http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldresources.html. Individuals should make a concerted effort to maintain a dry home or working environment to avoid the growth of mold and to prevent the health issues that may accompany the proliferation of mold spores.

About Anderson Air Corps

With 50+ years of experience behind us, our Mission Statement and Code of Ethics set us apart as one of the best HVAC companies in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We have been serving residential and commercial enterprises of all kinds with the highest levels of customer service. With trained and certified technicians, as well as a high level of expertise in heating, cooling and indoor comfort, you will be sure of getting the best HVAC products installed by the most professional people in the business.

Give us a call on (505) 855-9028 today and experience what an award winning service can be.