Carbon Filters For Cannabis Grow Rooms: Do They Stop Mold?

In recent years, commercial cannabis cultivation has become more prevalent and now legal due to recreational use by states like California, Oregon, Washington State, and Colorado. As commercial marijuana cultivation becomes commonplace, so does the risk of mold growth on plants grown indoors. Mold is a significant issue for cannabis grow rooms and can result in crop loss. Carbon filters remove mold spores from the air in grow rooms. But do they work? This blog post will explore whether carbon filters stop mold and other options for controlling this fungus.

 

What is a Carbon Filter?

Carbon filters are used in grow rooms to control odor and remove plant odors from the air. As you probably know, marijuana plants produce high levels of terpenes, which gives cannabis its signature smell. Some carbon filters are activated charcoal, which is a material that absorbs odors and pollutants from the air through chemical reactions.

 

How Do Carbon Filters For Grow Rooms Work?

In a grow room, the air draws through the carbon filter. The activated charcoal in the filter absorbs odor molecules from the air by physically reacting with them. These odors are then permanently trapped within the material of the carbon filter.

 

How Do Carbon Filters Work Against Mold In A Grow Room?

Although active charcoal does absorb odors, it does not do so well with mold spores. In addition, the porous nature of the filter makes it difficult for mold to grow in general because moisture is absorbed and evaporated quickly.

The other issue is that most active carbon filters are installed above the plants and not near the mold spores. Since they float above everything else in a grow room, there are often spaces between the filter and the walls where mold can grow.

Due to these reasons, it is not likely that a carbon filter will eliminate all mold spores from your grow room. However, carbon filters can be combined with other controlling mold methods to prevent growth before it becomes an issue. Carbon filters are certainly not a replacement for air purifiers to prevent mold.

 

What are More Effective Methods of Controlling Mold?

The best way to control mold is through the use of an AirROS surface and air purifier. AirROS surface and air purifiers create and utilize ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) to prevent mold, bacteria, viruses, and provide odor control. AirROS can prevent cross-contamination where it happens and replace the usage of a carbon filter because it provides odor control as well. The AirROS systems use ultra-low energy compared to a carbon filtration system so it can save you on energy costs as well.

The cannabis industry is booming, and the demand for high-quality products is higher than ever. However, there are risks involved with growing cannabis indoors that you need to be aware of, like mold spores and poor air quality in your grow room. Carbon filters for grow rooms can help reduce odor but, not prevent mold from forming on surfaces or plant leaves. AirROS provides a solution by delivering effective odor control and preventing mold growth without needing a carbon filter. To learn more about how AirROS surface and air purifiers work in cannabis grow operation, give us a call today at (855) 201-7243 or schedule a free consultation appointment with one of our experts!