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What do mold spores look like? Mold spores are too small for humans to see with the naked eye, but they can be seen under a microscope. When viewing mold spores under a microscope, they come in all different sizes and shapes. Some mold spores are circular with a furry texture while others are lengthy and smooth. Not only do spores come in different shapes, they also come in different colors depending on the type of spore. Some mold spores are green, some are black, and some are yellowish.
Mold spores generally range from 5 microns to 45 microns in size. A spore that is 45 microns is almost large enough to be seen by the naked eye, but is still small enough to freely float through the air in your home.
The best way to explain what mold spores look like is to give examples. Here are 4 great images of mold spores:
As shown above, this is what mold spores look like. In general, they are long stringy organisms with a fuzz “spore” at the top.
Tips for Preventing Mold Spores
- Use an Air Purifier with a HEPA filter… (See our suggestion)
- Use an Air Purifier with a UV-C sanitizer
- Use mold spore spray… (See our suggestion)
- Use a mold spore candle… (See our suggestion)
- Frequently test the air in your home
- Look for areas with leaking water
- Use a mold test kit… (See our suggestion)
- Use bleach or vinegar to kill mold
What Are Mold Spores?
Mold spores or organisms that are produced by mold. Mold spores are released from mold and are able to float through the air to a new location. If these spores land in a location that is damp and warm, they will eventually germinate and begin to create more mold in a new location.
What happens if you breathe mold spores?
Many people are allergic to mold. When someone is allergic to mold, they are actually not allergic to the mold itself, but to the mold spores that are released from the mold. These spores can also cause health issues such as breathing problems, sneezing, coughing, and more.
Just as there are different types of mold, there are also different types of mold spores. Some types are more dangerous than others. For example, mold spores released from toxic black mold are extremely dangerous, while mold spores released from common basement mold are not dangerous.
How to prevent airborne mold spores from spreading
The best way to prevent mold spores from spreading is to eliminate the source. Find the location where mold is growing in your home then scrape it off and wipe it down. Be sure to use goggles and gloves for protection while doing this to prevent an unexpected reaction.
Another great way to eliminate mold spores is to use an air purifier for mold. Air purifiers with True HEPA filters are able to eliminate 99.97% of airborne particles that are at least .3 microns in size. That means that the 99.97% of all mold spores that enter the purifier will be eliminated because all mold spores are at least 2 microns in size.
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Frank is the chief editor and director at Specialty Air, where he oversees testing, research, and editing for all air quality-related articles. Frank is an expert in the air quality space with extensive experience testing, researching, and reviewing air purifiers, air conditioners, air filters, air fresheners, fans, and more. He also has over 4 years of experience with issues surrounding mold remediation, radon mitigation, moisture management, air duct systems, HVAC, and insulation.