Has any research been done on 'air filters' for removing mould?

[rachel51]

I have COPD (emphysema/asthma) and after years of suffering it has recently been discovered that I am highly allergic to aspergillus. Things now seem to be making sense on when I am ill. On Christmas Day this year I was admitted to ICU with respiratory failure. My doctors are thinking of referring me to Manchester. In the meantime I need to take all preventative steps I can. My kitchen is very old (no backs on units and mould inside), but obviously this building work will cause problems - but needs to be done and I cannot move out while this is being done. I am thinking of buying an air purifier to remove mould. Initial reviews seem excellent but I don't want to spend money on things which don't work. I know it's not possible to endorse/not endorse products but can anyone tell me if there is any evidence-based information on if they work? If so, what do I look out for? I am particularly thinking of 'Airfree' purifiers (if I can say that). Thanks for any help - I am now desperate to improve my quality of life.

[GAtherton Administrator Fungal Infection Trust]

In order to work well to remove mould spores air filters have to be HEPA grade and of sufficient size to have a satisfactory air throughput. The bigger they are, the more expensive they can be.

There are also purifiers that use heat rather than filters which have been tested to be effective - air is drawn in past very hot surfaces which burn off microbes and at least some allergens.

Possibly better for short periods are HEPA grade facemasks aspergillus.org.uk/secure/a...

[Coppernob]

This is sooooo interesting - aspergillus seems to be cropping up a lot at present, on many different forums. Is there 'something going on' environmentally - like an 'epidemic', or 'explosion' of aspergillus spores all over the place?

I'm about to be referred to a London asthma specialist because of suspected ABPA (he also has a particular interest in eosinophilic pneumonias). I have a great lump of black, sticky, thick gunk clogging up my right bronchus, full of aspergillus and eosinophils.

My respiratory symptoms seem to kick off around this time of year - which I had been relating to tree spores. But maybe I'm barking up the wrong, er, tree?

Not aware there's any mould in my house. No carpets. No pets.

Any comments/observations anyone on something that seems to be 'trending' at present?

[bthesaint in reply to Coppernob]

I had my home tested for mold even though there are no visible signs of water leakage, damage etc. but test results showed presence of aspergillus and penecillium molds so contininued my search for source of growth. Finally identied a leaking pipe in the crawlspace above the refrigerator. Hope this helps

[Coppernob in reply to bthesaint]

Thanks. How exactly did you go about getting your home tested?

[GAtherton Administrator Fungal Infection Trust]

ABPA is not thought to be due to inhaling excessive aspergillus spores. There may well be small genetic changes in sufferers that leave them vulnerable to spores we find everywhere.

[Coppernob]

Indeed. And I have APS/Sjogrens which are going to be making my lungs hypersensitive/inflamed/'irritable'. All the more reason therefore to eliminate 'normal' levels of environmental aspergillus (and any other allergens too of course).

[GAtherton Administrator Fungal Infection Trust]

Fair enough its worth a try - this service may be able to advise more mycologymanchester.org/inde...

[simon23]

I know this is 4 years on, but I would just like to offer my opinion on a very good 'air filter' that I have used. Known as a PIV (positive input ventilation) system. It requires a bit of work for installation but the benefits I feel are tremendous. It has prevented mould in my home but also provides peace of mind for the air that's being purified throughout the entire home.

This fairly recent page offers some good information on it and how it works, mouldremoving.com/products/...

and here is a good visualisation of how it works:

youtu.be/wTMeZxoH3eY(Not working as expected?)