MUSTY ODORS

Musty odors are a gaseous byproduct of mold growth, and you may be smelling and breathing them in daily.

Live spores act like seeds, forming new mold growths when they find the right conditions. They only need a few things to grow and multiply:

Moisture - Moisture keeps them chemically active.

Nutrients - Feed on building materials, fabrics, wood, etc. that are saturated.

Suitable environment - Warm temperature and stagnant air.

Exposure to molds can adversely affect your health by causing allergy symptoms, respiratory difficulties, such as asthma and other ailments. It can damage the structure of your home by causing wood to rot and beams to buckle. The contents of your home are also at risk of being destroyed by mold.

How badly your house becomes infested with mold and musty odors is determined by a number of factors, including air circulation, possible leaks and amount of organic materials present. Depending on the severity of the problem, mold may be found growing on walls, doors, carpeting, clothes, books, and other items. Mold grows in the form of dark or very white spots. In many cases you can't see it, but you can smell it. If your house smells like a musty basement, then molds may be present.