Can Mold Odor Spread An Infestation?

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

Find Out More About Spores And Mycotoxin

Mold odor is often one of the first indications of a mold infestation at a commercial property in Slaughterville, OK. The smell of mold is a symptom of the problem, but does contribute toward the spread of colonies alone. Mold smells are also unrelated to the presence of toxins in some species. Find out more about the microbial volatile organic compounds responsible for the musty odor of mold as well as spores and mycotoxin.

mVOCs Emit Odors
Microbial volatile organic compounds are the source of the characteristic smell of mold. More than twenty off-gases are produced through the metabolic process of fungi, including the following substances:

• Alcohols
  
• Esters
  
• Ethers
  
• Ketones
  
  

Spores and toxins are not associated with the odor of mold. Only spores can spread and most mold is caused by airborne spores.

Spores Spread Mold
Mold is present everywhere, but does not settle down and start growing unless sources of moisture and nutrition are available. Water introduced by property damage such as a broken pipe or leaking roof and building materials consisting of cellulose or other organic materials are ideal for supporting mold growth. Mold remediation involves the removal of colonies of mold and the filtration of spores, mVOCs and other byproducts of fungus out of the air.

Mycotoxin May Be Present
Some species of mold including stachybotrys chartarum or black mold are known to contain toxins. While mold odor and spores may affect sensitive individuals, toxins have the potential to affect all of the regular or occasional occupants of a building.
If you smell mold inside a building in Slaughterville, OK, the next step is to determine the location and extent of the infestation. An indoor environmental specialist may need to take interior air samples, swab surfaces or test contents. Professional sample gathering and lab testing are necessary to identify mold species and determine whether mycotoxin is present.