Home & Garden

Not that youre likely to find the subject overly hilarious to begin with, but airborne pathogens are no laughing matter. After the anthrax scares a couple of years ago, I think weve all become a little more conscious of the air were breathing and what might be entering our lungs. These pathogens can be as mild as a common cold, or as severe as a deadly black mold.

Airborne pathogens include bacteria, viruses and fungi. Any number of these pathogens can be harmful, and some of them are even life threatening. Take good old Legionella pneumophila, for example. Legionella pneumophila is commonly referred to as Legionnaires Disease, and can be caused by a malfunctioning air conditioner.

Another one of the frightful airborne pathogens is the old standby Rhizopus. Rhizopus is a type of black mold that can cause serious infections in the lungs. These infections can lead to death in those with compromised immune systems.

Use an Air Cleaner to Fight Airborne Pathogens
One way to help fight potentially harmful airborne pathogens in your home is to invest in a good, multi-filter air cleaner. A good air cleaner that filters out particles .3 microns or larger will take care of most of the more harmful pathogens. You can find good air cleaners, complete with HEPA filters, at home supply stores here on the Internet.