Healthy Home, Healthy Family
Healthy Homes Tasmania
Healthy Home, Healthy Family, Healthy Homes Tasmania

Musty Odours

Musty odours in the home are almost certainly a sign of mould. When mould colonies are able to thrive, they can create respiratory issues.
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Musty Odours

Why does my house smell musty?

In the absence of a sewer problem, or a dead animal in the roof cavity, a musty smell is most likely more often than not mould.

Mould grows in the damp surfaces that are located around the home and emits microscopic spores that are carried in the air.  That musty smell is sometimes referred to as “mould fart”. Mould does not have to be visible to be present indoors, it is generally smelt first before it is seen.

Do I Have A Mould Problem At Home?

Mould does not have to be visible to be present indoors, it is generally smelt first before it is seen. Mould has the potential to create significant structural issues in the home and also impact health in significant ways. 

Mould is a fungus, and as mould grows and spreads, certain gaseous chemicals are produced as byproducts of fungal metabolism. Although mould smells can vary, here are some o the most common characteristics

  • Musty and Stale — like old socks or a stuffy attic that hasn’t been aired out in months
  • Earthy — like a dense forest, rotting wood, or the dirt underneath decaying leaves
  • Damp — like wet dog fur or a dank locker room
  • Rotting or Fermenting — like ageing cheese, decaying fruit or fermenting alcohol
  • Sour and Tangy — like armpit odour after a vigorous jog

We always recommend to follow your nose when identifying if you have a mould problem. Alternatively give us a call to arrange your complimentary inspection and quote to solve any mould issues we may find.

Common Types of Mould in Homes

The most common types of mould include aspergillus, cladosporium and stachybotrys atra (also known as black mould).

 

  • Aspergillus is a fairly allergenic mould that is commonly found on foods and in home air conditioning systems. 
  • Cladosporium is typically a black or green “pepper like” substance that grows on the back of toilets, painted surfaces and fiberglass air ducts. While this mould is nontoxic to humans, it can trigger common allergy symptoms, such as red and watery eyes, rashes and a sore throat.
  • Mould that appears to be orange or red in colour is typically found outdoors, given its nature to thrive on decaying plants or moist wood. It is harmless to humans
  • While White mould may not technically be a type of mould, it does indicate that mould is only in the early stages of growth and can easily be treated.
Image showing mould growing on timber window frames where the room is generally damp and there is poor ventilation.
Visible Signs of Mould demonstrates that the problem of Mould in your Home is well advanced. Mould spores become airborne and can have negative health impacts.
Mould and Mould Stains on a wall from Rising Dampness and Poor Ventilation
Rising Dampness is a common issue found in homes across Southern Tasmania. High moisture combined with poor ventilation creates stale air which is a breeding ground for mould and creates unpleasant musty odours

Is mould bad for your health?

In addition to being unsightly and causing unpleasant odours, mould can cause health problems. Mould-related symptoms can include sneezing; itching skin; skin irritation; watery, itchy eyes; and headache. 

The more extreme health issues related to mould growth could be respiratory issues, where you may struggle with breathing and regular occurrence of nose bleeds which may be generally unexplained.

If you experience any of these symptoms and suspect they may be related to mould in your home, you should take immediate steps to remove the mould.

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