Aspergillus in Cannabis Facilities: How to Prevent It

Mold is a common issue in cannabis cultivation facilities. One type of mold that can be a problem is Aspergillus. Aspergillus is a fungus, as a result it can cause health problems in humans, so it is essential to prevent it from growing in your cannabis facility. This blog post will discuss what Aspergillus is, how it grows, and how to prevent it from becoming a problem in your cannabis cultivation facility.

What is Aspergillus

Aspergillus is a type of fungus that can be in cannabis facilities. Aspergillus can cause respiratory problems for people who are exposed to it. Aspergillosis is an infection caused by Aspergillus. Most people breathe in Aspergillus spores every day without getting sick. However, people with weakened immune systems or lung diseases are at a higher risk of developing health problems due to Aspergillus. The types of health problems caused by Aspergillus include allergic reactions, lung infections, and infections in other organs.

How Do Grow Rooms Get Aspergillus

Aspergillus mold grows in warm, humid environments. It is often in soil, dead leaves, and compost piles. In cannabis facilities, Aspergillus can also be carried on shoes and clothing and go in grow rooms if not careful. Aspergillus can also be in HVAC systems, wet surfaces, humidifiers, and water reservoirs.

5 Tips On Preventing Aspergillus in Cannabis Facilities

Tip #1 is to ensure that your facility is well ventilated. Aspergillus thrives in humid environments, so it is essential to keep the air moving. It would help if you also considered using a dehumidifier in your facility to help control the moisture levels.

Tip #2 another way to prevent Aspergillus is to keep your cannabis facility clean and free of debris. Mold can quickly grow on surfaces that are dirty or cluttered. So make sure to regularly clean your facility and remove any items that could provide a place for mold to grow.

Tip #3 If you suspect that Aspergillus is present in your facility, it is essential to have it professionally cleaned and sanitized as soon as possible. As a result it will help prevent the spread of mold and keep your facility safe for everyone. 

Tip #4 Ensure that only people with proper training are allowed in the facility, wear gloves hairnets, and cover their shoes with plastic bags. As a result this will help avoid the dirt on the sole of shoes trying to cross-contaminate the grow rooms.

Tip #5 Use an air & surface purification system that purifies the air and sanitizes all surfaces 24/7. So it can help minimize the risk of any Aspergillus and outbreaks.

By following these tips, you can help to prevent Aspergillus in your cannabis facility. Keep your facility clean, well ventilated, and free of mold to ensure a safe and healthy environment.

Which States Test For Aspergillus?

According to Medicinal Genomics, as of November 12, 2020, here is the list of states that do cannabis microbial testing specifically for Aspergillus.

• Alaska
• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Michigan
• Missouri
• Nevada
• New York
• Oklahoma
• West Virginia
• Vermont

Since Aspergillus is a type of mold that can cause respiratory infections in humans, preventing Aspergillus from growing in your cannabis facility is crucial. First, Aspergillus can contaminate your product, make it unsafe for consumers and fail state testing. Second, Aspergillus can cause health problems for your employees, leading to absenteeism and decreased productivity.

Prevent Aspergillus with Commercial Air & Surface Purifiers

AirROS industrial air purification systems are the solution to sanitize an entire cannabis facility 24/7. As a result, it can prevent and reduce Aspergillus and other molds in the air and all surfaces.

How does AirROS commercial air purification system work?

AirROS is a commercial air and surface purification system that can prevent pathogens, mold, viruses, yeast, and bacteria, reduce cross-contamination, and eliminate cannabis odor. AirROS purifiers utilize and create ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species). First, it kills pathogens and aroma / odor as it passes through the air purifier. In addition, it sanitizes the air that comes out of the purifier, enters the environment, and continues to sanitize all surfaces it contacts. Here is the 2 stage process:

Phase 1- Primary Air Cleaning

Placed within your room’s airflow, air from the environment containing microorganisms enters the purifier’s internal chamber. The reaction chamber creates non-thermal plasma and generates ROS. ROS are comprised of 5 short-lived, highly Reactive Oxygen Species:

• Atomic oxygen O(3P)
• Singlet oxygen 1O2
• Hydroxyl radical .OH
• Superoxide O2-
• Peroxynitrite ONOO-

These break down carbon-to-carbon bonds that sanitize the air and destroy all bacteria, molds, viruses, and other pathogens as they pass through the reaction chamber.

Phase 2- Secondary Surface & Air Cleaning

Provides Surface sanitation and continued Air sanitation. The purified air now diffused into the environment contains longer lived Reactive Oxygen Species:

• Gas-phased H2O2 (GpHP) or dry hydrogen peroxide
• Low concentration levels of O3 ozone

These combine and create Hydrogen Trioxide (H2O3) an Active Antimicrobial formed through the peroxone process. As a result, this H2O3 is very effective at sanitizing the surfaces and air 24/7.

AirROS commercial air purifiers are essential for ensuring a safe and healthy environment cannabis cultivation facilities who need cleaner environments, product, and want to pass state testing. Please visit our website or call us today for more information on our products. Thank you for choosing AirROS!