Have you ever been in a room in your house and caught a whiff of a scent that you know isn't pleasant- maybe you'd describe it as moldy, or perhaps musty? Chances are this smell is a good indicator that there is mold somewhere in your house. Don't neglect what your sniffer is telling you- If there's mold on your home, it should be found and its cause corrected. Although not all mold is extremely health hazardous, it's best to the health of your home to eliminate the source of mold.
It's important to note that removing problem mold may not remove the moldy odors. The odors found in mold are MVOCs or Mold Volatile Organic Compounds. What can tend to happen is that these MVOC's permeate other items like curtains, clothing, upholstered furniture and carpets. The only way to rid your home of these odors entirely is to have these items thoroughly cleaned. Exposure to sunlight and clean air can help with the cleaning process.
As you're hunting, or sniffing, remember that different mold genera/species can produce a wide variety of odors. But it's important to investigate them all.
Beyond the potential dangers of mold, there can be a variety of odors you detect in your home which could be linked to potentially dangerous sources. So it's important to pay attention to the smells, try and find their source or hire a professional who can investigate for you.
Keep tuned to these variations in condition that can alter the mold odors you are sensing:
Wind:: Wind is an element that tends to pressurize the walls differently and can cause the wall cavity contents to either be detectable or not.
Humidity: Changes in humidity can cause the mold to behave differently. For example a change in humidity can cause mold to begin releasing spores in visible green dusty clouds.
General weather changes: When the weather shifts, the behavior of the mold shifts and can cause variances in the odors you detect. This includes temperature changes, which can also affect MVOC production.
Mechanical Disturbances: Such disturbances can upset moldy materials and sometimes results in the extreme increase in the level of airborne spores and other fungal materials. This might also cause an increase in the level of detectable moldy odors.
Light: Mold growth and behavior can be affected by light and seasonal changes.
In terms of sourcing out where the smell is coming from, it's best to know as much as possible about the house, its previous occupants, and any history of leaks or damage. This, along with following your nose and eyes can help you deduce the source of the problem. Mold tests can be helpful but really cannot substitute careful visual inspection.
If you have discovered mold, it's best to consult a professional who can test the type of mold, and let you know whether or not it's a serious to moderate concern. They will also be able to tell you the safest approach to removing the mold and stopping future outbreaks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
White Fecal Mold
By: nra710 | 06-08-2008
What is white fecal mold? My brother lives down the street from a house that is forclosed, and someone erected a sign out front saying "do not buy this home! It has White Fecal Mold!"
I'm trying to find out what this is exactly. Any help would be appreciated!
9what is the treatment for black sooty mold on ...
By: Jennifer Lenon | 05-08-2008
9what is the treatment for black sooty mold on orange trees?can anybody help me please.
My ceiling leaked from the airhandler for 2 weeks, could their be a possiblity of mold growth now?
By: michelle | 03-08-2008
my ceiling leaked for about 2 weeks, how do i know if their is a possible mold problem now? this a huge water stain on my ceiling and a few dark green/blackish colored spots could it be mold?
Public Housing Enviromental Concern
By: swagner | 28-07-2008
I have lived in HUD housing for sometime and my children are getting sick and my apartment is infested with mold. How do I file a formal complaint to be heard. I am moving out now since I have my situation under control. I can not be punished because I am moving out, but I am concerned with all the children that live in the unit and would like the federal government to know what they are paying for and the reason for all the doctor visits since Medicaid is paying for it!
Will long term exposure to mold or fungi in your ...
By: foo foo | 28-07-2008
will long term exposure to mold or fungi in your bathroom cause ageing of the skin
Does an air pump kill bacteria in your pond?
By: SpencerSheffUtd | 27-07-2008
I don't know if i heard right but can anyone tell me if, by puttin an air pump into the water will it kill bacteria or do you have to put it in the filter? any feedback i'd b grateful for thanks
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