Understanding Unusual Odors in Buildings: Why Investigation and Resolution Are Essential

1. What Unusual Odors Might Indicate

A distinct smell can be an important clue. Common indoor odors and their potential causes include:

• Musty or earthy odors – Often linked to mold or mildew growth from hidden moisture
• Chemical or sharp smells – May be caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from paints, adhesives, or new materials
• Sewage or sulfur smells – Could indicate drain or sewer gas leaks
• Rotten food or decay – Might come from pests, spoiled materials, or biological contaminants
• Burning or smoky smells – May be related to electrical issues or past fire damage

Each odor is tied to specific environmental or mechanical conditions that may impact health and safety.

2. Why Odors Should Be Professionally Investigated

Odors may seem minor, but they can point to serious underlying problems. A professional investigation ensures:

• Identification of the odor’s chemical or biological source
• Assessment of indoor air pollutants (e.g., mold spores, VOCs, formaldehyde, hydrogen sulfide)
• Evaluation of moisture levels and ventilation effectiveness
• Use of lab testing when necessary to detect compounds not identifiable by smell alone

Thorough investigation prevents misdiagnosis and enables targeted solutions.

3. Health Risks Associated with Indoor Odors

Even when low in concentration, odor-causing compounds can affect health over time. Common health complaints linked to indoor odors include:

• Headaches, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating
• Respiratory irritation and allergic reactions
• Eye, nose, and throat discomfort, Sleep disturbances and increased stress

Some VOCs and microbial byproducts are known to have long-term toxic or sensitizing effects. The health impact varies depending on exposure duration, concentration, and individual sensitivity.

4. Steps to Resolve and Eliminate Odor Sources

Once the source is identified, resolution should include:

• Eliminating the root cause (e.g., leak repair, HVAC cleaning, mold remediation)
• Ventilation upgrades to increase fresh air exchange
• Source removal or isolation (e.g., replacing VOC-emitting materials)
• Air purification or filtration for ongoing control of odors and airborne contaminants

Each action must be customized to the specific odor and source identified during the investigation.

5. Preventing Future Indoor Odor Issues

Ongoing prevention strategies include:

• Regular building maintenance and HVAC servicing
• Managing indoor humidity between 40–50%
• Using low-emission materials and products
• Prompt response to leaks, spills, or occupant complaints
• Periodic air quality monitoring in high-risk environments

Proactive prevention reduces the risk of hidden contamination and maintains a comfortable indoor environment.

Conclusion

An unusual odor is your building’s way of signaling a potential issue. Whether the source is microbial, chemical, or structural, prompt and professional investigation is essential to safeguard indoor air quality and occupant health.

Ignoring the signs may allow preventable damage and health risks to escalate. If you're noticing persistent or unexplained odors in your home or building, it's time to take action, because clean air should never be left to chance.

10+ YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

With more than 10 years of experience, you know you can trust our team for top service. We offer precision air testing and fast results and quick improvement solutions. In addition to offering quick testing, we'll also consult with you around the results. In other words, we'll make sure you understand the report and offer expert guidance when applicable.