Consumers who are concerned about allegens should consider using a vacuum that has "HEPA filtration".  Mold spores and many allergens are just sucked up and blown around with many vacuum cleaners.  Your home or office should stay cleaner and occupants should breathe easier.

http://www.allergybuyersclub.com/compare-vac.html

“Want to figure out the best vacuum cleaner for you? We have summarized the pluses and minuses of the top brand Hepa vacuums for you to compare into a handy chart below. If you click on any vacuum cleaner below, you will find detailed product reviews by our experts and customers plus star rating explanations.”

 

Want a vacuum cleaner with HEPA filtration?

 

“HEPA filter doesn't mean the vacuum offers HEPA filtration performance. HEPA is a slow airflow media but vacuum cleaners are higher airflow machines. This creates a problem because if the air can't go through the material, it will bypass it - flowing around the filter rather than through. In the majority of vacuums this is exactly what is happening.

HEPA  filters should capture 99.97% of particles that are as small as 0.3 microns. To put this into perspective; mold spores are 3 to 10 microns and a human hair is 40 microns.

To be sure you're getting genuine HEPA filtration you should buy a machine costing over $200. Buy a vacuum cleaner that states the filter is 100% sealed. A sealed unit prevents the air from flowing around the filter; this vacuum will cost more because air tight containers require rubber gaskets and more thorough manufacturing.

Some brands that offer genuine HEPA, are the Electrolux Oxygen 3 vacuum cleaner, or the Eureka HP6855A vacuum cleaner, or the Simplicity Synergy. These are just three brands of many.  Filters for a true HEPA vac will cost between $75 to $100.”

Simple steps to clearing the air at home

By MARY VUONG Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle

Oct. 19, 2008, 12:06PM  http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/health/6043430.html#

“Have the system checked semi-annually and cleaned about every five years, Fellman suggests. Also, change the filter monthly or as needed. You don't need a $50 filter, a high-efficiency $15 model does the job well.

Select a filter that is pleated and at least an inch thick, adds Travis West, director of the association's Houston chapter and owner of Building Air Quality in The Woodlands.

Vacuum smart. Enlist a machine with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, which traps very tiny airborne particles that can harm asthma or allergy sufferers, newborns and others.

Turn on the fan of the air conditioning unit when you vacuum so particles become airborne and trapped in a good-quality filter, West says. Also tackle standing dust with a damp mop or rag at this time.”

http://www.ajc.com/services/content/homefinder/stories/2008/10/19/inspector.html

“It’s time to clear the air about getting ductwork cleaned”

“The EPA recommends duct cleaning only on an as-needed basis. Some signs that may indicate cleaning is needed are the presence of mold on the hard surfaces of heating and cooling registers or people living in the house experiencing unusual allergic symptoms that cannot be explained by a doctor.

When looking for visible signs of mold, remember that just because it looks like mold does not mean it is. To be sure a substance is mold requires sampling and laboratory testing.”