As mold grows, it can emit gasses known as microbial volatile organic compounds, or MVOC's. Technically, it is not just the mold itself you are smelling, but also the chemical compounds that are released at different stages of the mold's growth.
Some compounds produced by molds have strong smells and are volatile and quickly released into the air. These compounds are known as microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs).
If you haven't recently used chemicals or paint, a strong chemical smell could indicate a gas leak, particularly from carbon monoxide. A distinctly chemical odor can result from a crack in the heat exchanger component of your furnace. This component cycles heat out of the combustion chamber.
Musty: A musty smell is most commonly associated with mold. It resembles the odor of an old, damp basement or a closed-off room that's been unused for a while. This musty scent is a clear indicator of mold and often suggests significant growth. Detecting this smell should prompt a thorough inspection of your home.
Strong odors inside your home sometimes are an indication that you have a problem with mold. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, mold growth produces a variety of odors from earthy or musty to a foul stench. An ammonia-like odor after a period of rain could be caused by mold.
A strong ammonia smell in crawl spaces or behind walls also could indicate a decomposing rodent or small animal, which you should take care of promptly to avoid attracting pests and creating unsanitary conditions. Common locations: Kitchens near refrigerators or freezers.
Check humidity: Musty odors can often be due to excess moisture. Use dehumidifiers to reduce humidity, especially in rooms such as the bathroom, basement or other damp areas. Cleaning: Thorough cleaning is crucial. Clean carpets, curtains, furniture and other surfaces that absorb moisture regularly.
Aspergillus: Can have a musty smell, but it's often less pungent than black mold. Some species may have a sweeter scent. Penicillium: Often produces a musty, earthy odor similar to black mold, but it might have slight fermented or food-like undertones.
Well, it may be because there is Stachybotrys chartarum–or more commonly known as black mold–in your home. This mold has a distinct odor that can be described as “musty” or “earthy.” Some people compare the smell to that of rotting wood or leaves… gross!
Phantosmia may be caused by a head injury or upper respiratory infection. It also can be caused by aging, trauma, temporal lobe seizures, inflamed sinuses, brain tumors, certain medicines and Parkinson's disease. Phantosmia also can result from a COVID-19 infection.
If you smell acetone in your home, it's a sign that there could be a refrigerant leak. While this ruins the effectiveness and efficiency of your HVAC system, it can also pose a health hazard and even a fire hazard if it's exposed to an open flame.
Some notable odours that are associated with these compounds include the smell of rotting eggs, paint thinner, off milk or fruit, metal and out-of-date cheese. The exact compounds or smell vary between mould species and maturity stage, making it ever-changing and hard to identify.
If your house smells like rotten eggs, gases from your septic tank may be to blame. However, if you find yourself suddenly asking “why does my house smell like rotten eggs?” and the odor is severe, a dangerous gas leak may also be the problem. Check around gas appliances to see if the smell is worse there.
As molds grow, some (but not all) of them may produce potentially toxic byproducts called mycotoxins under some conditions. Some of these molds are commonly found in moisture-damaged buildings. More than 200 mycotoxins from common molds have been identified, and many more remain to be identified.
Bottom line: If you can't actually see mold, it's almost never a problem. The musty smell you ask about doesn't necessarily mean there are mold spores present, but can simply indicate you need more ventilation with fresh air.
A Musty Smell
Black mold has a distinct smell. It's often described as musty and earthy and may even smell like rotting vegetables, plants, or paper. Some think it smells like cedar.
Symptoms may also differ depending on what organs are affected as the infection spreads. However, they commonly include coughing up blood, fever and chills, headaches, chest pain and shortness of breath. Additionally, Aspergillus can cause localized infections of the nails, eyes, skin, sinuses or ear canals.
According to the CDC, people usually experience their first symptoms within 2 to 9 hours of their first exposure. On the other hand, some people could go for weeks or months before feeling sick if their exposure is limited enough. This is why it is also important to check damp, dark areas of your home for mold.
If you have a mold allergy, your immune system overreacts when you breathe in mold spores. A mold allergy can cause coughing, itchy eyes and other symptoms that make you miserable. In some people, a mold allergy is linked to asthma and exposure causes restricted breathing and other airway symptoms.
A musty odor after water damage or a leak is an easy tell that you may have mold behind your drywall.
Many confuse mold and mildew, which is not surprising — they have more than a few things in common: Both are types of fungi that no homeowner likes to see in his or her home. Both are keen on forming in moist, warm areas.
Chronic Fatigue: Mold forces your body to work harder, leading to persistent fatigue, especially in those with pre-existing conditions. Lung Issues: Prolonged exposure can cause lasting damage to lung function.
Activated Charcoal: Absorbs toxins, potentially helping to clear mold spores from your system. Take it in capsule form to absorb toxins. It's best used under medical supervision, especially after known mold exposure.