Professional Mold Inspections & Environmental Testing in Plymouth, MA

Moldy Odors One of the first thing that alerts folks to a possible mold problem is that unique moldy/musty odor. To understand the source of moldy odors, one needs to understand some basic mold biology. Mold spores are solid particle that are too small to be seen with the naked eye yet they contain genetic material, carbohydrates and digestive enzymes. These enzymes are dormant under dry conditions. When there is enough moisture present from condensation or leaks (differing amounts for the different molds), those enzymes can be activated and start to digest organic matter – paper, skin cells, crumbs, etc. – that may be present. As they digest this “food,” they give off vapors, just like mammals (we) can give off vapors during the digestion process – known technically as “microbial volatile organic compounds (MVO Cs).”...