Some experts recommend using ozone but the cdc and other agencies have warned that this method of removing mold can be damaging to the respiratory system.
Mold spores in air vents.
When mold grows within the central heating cooling and ventilation system there are high chances that every room connected to the vents receives generous amounts of mold spores.
Mold spores and fragments can be distributed into the air and landing on surfaces as well as into the carpet leading to potential health risks.
Removing mold that has begun growing inside air vents can be a challenge.
Symptoms to watch for.
Removing the vents on a normal basis for cleaning will prevent dusty build up.
Black mold in your air vents can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms and health problems.
As soon as you switch your heater or air conditioner on the microscopic particles start floating and blowing out with air into the room.
The symptoms may vary from person to person and can also depend on the length of exposure and the amount of spores inhaled.
Condensation forms in the coils and ducts as cool air circulates through the system creating a habitat for moisture loving mold.
Air return registers will get dusty as air passes through them and being dirty is not a sign of mold being present.
Inside mold spores can t grow unless conditions are right.
So when the duct board becomes contaminated with mold the possibility exists that the air in the home can as well.
For those who don t know mold spores take no time to transfer from one surface to another.
Mold in air vents.
While it is best to clean any visible mold keep in mind the fact that mold spores are microbial and can not be seen by the human eye.
Mold can be killed with a mixture of one cup of bleach per gallon of water but chances are good that you won t be able to reach.
This usually happens during peak summers because the moisture in the air tends to condense inside the air vent.
Common symptoms and health problems caused by black mold may include.
Mold is not just icky or gross.
Air conditioner vents can be breeding grounds for black mold.
Exposure to mold spores which are produced by mold and waft through the air may cause such symptoms as nasal congestion frequent sneezing runny nose irritated eyes and cough or other respiratory symptoms.
Moreover there are chances of mold formation in vents when there are mold colonies in surrounding areas.
The spores can latch on to a variety of materials including fabrics carpet paper and wood.
Cleaning black mold from air conditioning vents.