Mold-Help.org - The world's largest TOXIC MOLD web site
  • Mold Basics
    • Mold Overview
    • Mold Symptoms
    • Mold Types & Images
    • Fungal Infections
  • Resources and Tools
    • Home Care
    • Health & Diet
    • Tips for Parents
    • Coping with Loss
    • Private Research
    • Legal Suggestions
    • Mold in the Bible
  • Mold News
    • Current Headlines
    • “Sick Buildings”
    • The Environment
    • Construction Industry
    • Govt. & Politics
    • The Workplace
    • Landlords & Tenants
    • Insurance Companies
    • Schools & Institutions
    • Strange Fungal Tales
    • Personal Mold Stories
    • Additional Articles
  • Agencies & Experts
  • About Mold-Help
    • Mold-Help News
  • Search
  • Menu
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
Mold growing in petri dishesMold growing in petri dishes

Beware That Moldy Smell

in Mold Symptoms /by Carolyn Willbanks

Moldy smells are usually described as pungent, musty and moist. So, beware that moldy smell. And, if you notice a moldy smell, investigate immediately. You might have water damage and mold! It is always preferable to deal with dampness and water leaks first! Waiting is not an option!

Your sense of smell is your most useful weapon in early mold detection. Although moldy smells are unpleasant, they are actually a good thing. Remember they don’t mean you are a terrible housekeeper. These musty smells are likely to be the first sign that you have excessive water in your house.

Beware that Moldy Smell!

Water damage in homes and buildings is a universal problem. Even a small amount of mold can produce toxic chemicals called mycotoxins. Although mold spores may give off an odor, most mold smells are caused by mycotoxins. And, a long-lasting stay in water damaged buildings is a serious, and misunderstood hazard.

Mold Sickness

I am sensitive to a number of smells. They make me feel sick, dizzy and spaced out. Most perfumes, cleaning products and even tires in Sam’s Club make me feel bad. But, the worst problem seems to be that moldy smell. Why this happens to some people is a not clear. And, the variety of symptoms is just as confusing. Medical literature points to a genetic sensitivity.

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)

Some medical professionals and doctors believe that mold exposure causes Multiple Chemical Syndrome (MCS) or at least can be a contributing factors.

According to some studies, exposure to low levels of chemicals induces mild to severely disabling symptoms. And, MCS patients frequently complain of loss of energy, lack of concentration, depression and fatigue. These are some of the same complaints that mold exposure causes.

More specifically, some individuals are diagnosed with Dampness and Mold Hypersensitivity Syndrome (DMHS). However, there are no lab tests available to ‘prove’ the illness. So, diagnosis is based on a patient’s history and careful examination.

Mold toxins cause problems even after exposure is over. And, individuals require a medical professional with special experience. Mold analysis requires extensive history, examination, and lab testing. All of this information provides clues to the type of mold and potential treatment.

You Can Help

The most common questions we receive at Mold-Help.org are “Where can I find a doctor who will listen to me? Who can help me with my mold issues?” But, there is no simple answer. Many individuals live in rental properties or on military bases for long periods of time. They are exposed to serious moldy conditions. They cannot afford to pay out of pocket for the doctor’s fees. Also, many functional doctors and tests are not covered by insurance.

If you have found a medical professional who has helped you, please complete this form to let us know. We are in the process of updating our database of providers and experts. Thank you!

Resources

If you need additional help locating a practitioner or other provider, try these options and websites.

  • Call a compounding pharmacy for a referral. Check with local pharmacists as well.
  • Do a Google search for medical providers in your area that specialize in mold treatment. Try “mold doctor” + city and/or state. Other possibilities include mold + illness or mold+illness treatment, environmental illness doctor, and naturopathic doctor. Do your research, or have a family member assist you. Also, look for providers in surrounding areas. Some medical professionals now do remote visits as well.
  • Ask friends, colleagues, neighbors, if they know of resources in your community.

Check out these Helpful Websites

  • American College of Environmental Medicine – environmental medical doctors by geographic location.
  • Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics (AOEC) – clinic directory by state.
  • American Association of Naturopathic Physicians – online search tool.
  • International Society for Environmentally Acquired Illness – approved professional environmental illness and mold remediation members.
  • The Institute for Functional Medicine – search for functional medicine doctor
  • Hybrid Rasta Mama – mold doctors and practitioners by state.
  • Inspectapedia – list of environmental medicine and mold doctors
  • MoldFreeLiving.com – personal story with well researched information and options
  • Paradigmchange.me/websites/ – long list of reference sites
  • Check out https://pjharlowwellness.com/ – functional and environmental health coach.

Note: The information on Mold-Help.org as well as sites listed here is for educational use only. And, it is not intended as medical advice. Mold-Help.org is not responsible for the content on these sites.

Patients must follow the doctor’s protocol exactly, which generally includes antifungal therapy. Otherwise, the treatment will not kill the mold. Avoiding continued or new exposure to dampness microbes is crucial for recovery. And, following the Mold-Help Diet helps to starve the mold in your body. Remember, mold lives off sugar, fermented foods, and anything moldy (mold in food is common).

Mold in Your Surroundings

Just like a moldy body needs expert care, repair of moldy buildings is critical to health. So, you can find many helpful articles about home care under Resources and Tools.

Again, we are looking for companies in this line of work. Please share with Mold-Help.org is you have found worthy professionals who are licensed in mold discovery and cleanup.

Tags: mold, mold sickness, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity MCS, Dampness and Mold Hypersensitivity Syndrome (DMHS), moldy smell
Share this entry
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on Reddit
  • Share by Mail
https://www.mold-help.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/mold-2035457_640.jpg 424 640 Carolyn Willbanks https://www.mold-help.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/moldhelp-654x300.png Carolyn Willbanks2020-01-22 23:38:352020-02-27 19:01:07Beware That Moldy Smell
You might also like
Mold-Help logo Black Mold in Prisons is a Growing Problem
Mold-Help logo Mold School Tie-ups : New Report Criticizes Riverside Clean-up
Mold-Help logo Sharon's Story
Mold-Help logo Mold Affects Apartment Dwellers
Mold-Help logo Seminary Woman Ready To Move
Mold-Help logo Lenders pass the buck on mold

Mold Basics

  • Mold Overview
  • Mold Symptoms
  • Mold Types & Images
  • Fungal Infections

Latest Posts

  • Office and Commercial Buildings at Risk for Mold after COVID-19 Closings
  • COVID-19 Symptoms May Include Loss of Taste and Smell
  • New Mold Detox Information on the Horizon
  • COVID-19 Courses of Action
  • Stachybotrys
  • Simple and Easy Ways to Prevent the Coronavirus
  • Your Air Conditioning Unit Helps Eliminate Mold
  • Construction Workers Are Learning to Control Dust and Debris
  • Dangerous Mosquitoes Love Water
  • Insects in your Basement May be a Sign of Water Damage

Search Our Site:

Need Help with Mold?

Are you being affected by mold or other mycotoxins in your environment? Our team and community has over 15 years experience and can provide guidance. You can reach us by submitting your contact or through our Facebook page.

Have a Story to Share?

We're looking for stories and input to expand our database and to add to the personal experiences we've received from the thousands of victims over the last 15. If mold has impacted your life, please take the time to share your story. Your information is confidential and will only be shared with your permission.

Seeking Mold Experts

Are you an expert in the treatment of mold-affected health illnesses, or a provider of services to victims of mycotoxin exposure? Submit your information for listing consideration in our Agencies & Experts resource database.

Additional Resources

  • Contact Us
  • Sitemap
  • Glossary of Terms
  • Discussion Board
  • Survivor Resources
  • General Inquiries
  • Legal Disclaimer

© Copyright - Mold-Help Organization
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Mold Basics
  • Resources and Tools
  • Agencies & Experts
  • Mold News
  • About Mold-Help
Scroll to top

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

OKLearn more

Cookie and Privacy Settings



How we use cookies

We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.

Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.

Essential Website Cookies

These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.

Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refuseing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.

We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.

We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.

Other external services

We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.

Google Webfont Settings:

Google Map Settings:

Google reCaptcha Settings:

Vimeo and Youtube video embeds: