Pollution is more than an outdoor issue.
By helping to prevent the spread of mould, air purifiers can play their part in reducing the risk of allergies and asthma attacks in workplaces and a host of other environments.
High-quality, HEPA filtered indoor air purification is increasingly recognised for its ability to remove virus particles, VOCs and other pollutants from buildings, but the elimination of mould spores is becoming another necessity as their health risks become better-known.
Health impacts of mould
Where damp and mould go, respiratory problems, infections, allergies, or asthma can follow.
This is because mould produces substances, known as allergens, that can cause an allergic reaction. It also emits irritants and even toxic substances¹.
And there isn’t just one kind of mould to contend with. The different types that can lead to a range of poor health outcomes include Cladosporium and Alternaria which can provoke severe asthma attacks, with long-term exposure to these making the risk grow over time.
Another mould type is Sachybotrys Chartarum which causes sick building syndrome by releasing toxins that make people feel unwell.
Anyone who inhales or touches a mould spore can have an allergic reaction, such as sneezing, getting a runny nose or their eyes or skin can become irritated.
This can happen shortly after a single exposure or after repeated exposures², with irritation of the nose and throat, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue other common symptoms.
At risk groups
People who are particularly vulnerable to the risks of mould are babies and children, older people, and anyone with skin problems such as eczema, respiratory problems such as allergies and asthma.
Those with a weakened immune system due to cancer treatment, an auto-immune condition or other issue are also vulnerable.
Asthma is one of several allergic respiratory diseases to have grown in the last few decades³. It currently affects more than 350 million people worldwide and is the most common chronic disease in children, affecting at least 30 million children and young adults in Europe.
Respiratory illness costs
The indirect costs of asthma and other allergic respiratory diseases are estimated to cost European Union countries between €55 and €151 billion a year³.
People with asthma and other chronic lung conditions need to take more time off work than the general population⁴, with over 15% more likely to be absent from work than non-asthma sufferers at 8.9%.
Because employers have a duty to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of their employees, reasonable steps should be taken to minimise, or ideally eliminate, the risk of damp and mould in the workplace.