Why Does Mold Smell the Way It Does?

12/15/2017 (Permalink)

Why Does Mold Smell the Way It Does?

Homeowners living in Spring Valley, California can attest to the nightmare that mold growth in the home can be. Not only does it create a toxic living environment, but the smell is rather unpleasant. Why does mold smell bad, though? Having an understanding of the cause behind mold’s odor will not only be educational, it will help you to know why it’s dangerous. Here are a few things you should know about mycotoxin mold and what you should do if you find it growing in your home.

Mycotoxin

A mycotoxin is a secondary metabolite produced by microfungi. Mold is no exception, and it releases these mycotoxins regularly. Mycotoxin is what causes the odor, and it is also what makes mold potentially dangerous in large doses. Ironically, it’s the mycotoxin in mold that also makes it an effective antibiotic. That doesn’t mean you should scrape mold off your shower wall and feed it to your child with an infection. Mold growth in the home is always a biohazard and should be treated as such.

Recognizing Mold

The musty odor mold produces are one surefire way to detect it in your home. If such an odor is present in your laundry room, bathroom, kitchen, or basement, you should take it seriously. Try to locate the source of the smell by checking under sinks, behind the washing machine, or near pipes and drains. If you are unable to find any mold growths, that doesn’t mean you’re out of the woods. Mold can often grow in wall voids behind the drywall, especially if there’s been a fluid leak or water damage in your home. Mold can grow as quickly as 48 hours after a leak, so it’s important to take action.

Mold Remediation

If you find mold or continue smelling it in your home, you should call a restoration professional immediately. These workers are trained and certified to treat mold conditions in homes and restore your indoor air quality to safe levels. Visit http://www.SERVPROspringvalleyjamul.com for more information on mold.