Beware That Moldy Smell

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.

Author: Carolyn Willbanks