Can Your Humidifier Make You Sick? You Might Need Professional Mold Consulting in Aspen, CO

Most everyone would agree that cold, dry air is not pleasant to inhale, not even for a short period of time. Dryness and cold can negatively impact your health and well-being, as well as damage anything made of delicate wood. This includes indoor furniture, wooden instruments and some flooring.

Yes, humidifiers can alleviate dry air, and they are available in a variety of sizes and types. But you should know that not all humidifiers are good for your health. Even with proper maintenance, some types of humidifiers pose a risk and danger to your wellness.

What makes humidifiers potential health threats and which ones are the safest options? Let’s find out how some humidifiers can make people sick and when it is time for professional mold consulting in Aspen, CO.

Ultrasonic Humidifiers

These types of humidifiers use ultrasonic vibrations to produce a cool mist. As soothing as this seems, many types of ultrasonic humidifiers end up sending unhealthy mineral particles throughout the room.

The minerals in the water dissolve and are released into the air as “white dust,” which can leave a white film on surfaces in the room, all the while posing serious health risks to anyone with respiratory issues. Breathing in the “white dust” can injure delicate lungs or make asthma symptoms worse, especially in children.

If you use an ultrasonic humidifier, be sure to perform proper cleaning and maintenance. By not cleaning the inside of the device on a regular basis, you’re creating the perfect environment for bacteria and mold to thrive. Run a dirty, mold infested humidifier and you’ll be breathing in all those air pollutants.

Vaporizer Humidifiers

Hot vaporizer types lower your risk of breathing in airborne bacteria and minerals, but there’s still a burn danger. The heating element in a vaporizer humidifier boils the water inside its reservoir then releases moisture—a steam—into the air.

As you may have guessed, conditions inside these types of units are warm and moist. It’s important to clean your device as often as possible to prevent mold and bacteria from growing and recirculating throughout the water and air. “Humidifier lung” is a potentially dangerous respiratory illness that can be avoided with proper cleaning and maintenance.

Evaporative Humidifiers

Another type is an evaporative humidifier. According to EPA studies, this one takes the cake for the safest humidifier type on the market. There’s a lesser chance that these types will release unhealthy airborne minerals and bacteria back into the air, mostly due to the fact they work by blowing unheated air over a wet absorbent filter.

Evaporative humidifiers have more ability to self-regulate and prevent over-humidification. Otherwise, humidity takes over, mold and bacteria grow, which can lead to health problems and allergic reactions. If you want to use a humidifier and maintain healthy indoor quality, an evaporative type is the best choice.

Have questions or want to schedule an appointment for professional comprehensive mold consulting in Aspen, CO? Call HealthSafe Inspections Inc. today!

Categorised in: Mold

This post was written by Writer