Is Your Nose Sounding an Alarm? What your sense of smell is trying to tell you.

What is your nose trying to tell you?

If you’ve heard the acronym VOC, you’re probably familiar with the most common usage, as an abbreviation of Volatile Organic Compounds.. But did you know VOCs can also be used to describe the molecules of the odor your nose detects?

VOC’s are also known as volatile odorant compounds. Volatility describes any compound that has a high vapor pressure and can easily release gases at room temperature. This means that when you detect an odor, it is because the molecules of whichever substance you are smelling are airborne and absorbed by your nasal tissues. The neurons in these specialized sensory tissues then send signals to your brain, delivering environmental information.

Sometimes that smell can be pleasant, like fresh bread baking, but other times the odor can be offensive or “off”. This is your brain’s way of telling you something is wrong.

You may be asking yourself, “What does this have to do with mold and the effects of mycotoxins on my health?”

Well, mold spores have a distinct odor because they produce microbial, volatile odorant compounds as the spores grow and reproduce. This is associated with the musty or earthy odor of decaying wood we can detect in basements, crawlspaces, or other areas of the home where moisture is left uncontrolled.

We already know damp basements built with organic materials are the perfect environment to promote mold growth, but what if you can smell the basement or crawlspace in the areas upstairs?

The same volatility that causes odorant compounds to be released in the air also allows them to travel through your ductwork and improperly sealed basements, crawlspaces or from anywhere the environment is hospitable to mold growth.

As you can see, What’s Downstairs Is Upstairs,.

Even if you can’t see the mold, if your nose can detect it, the mold spores and the mycotoxins they produce are already there.

Our sense of smell has evolved to alert us when there is a problem, and if you smell mold that information needs to be taken seriously. Mycotoxins can cause serious negative health effects, especially for infants, children, the elderly, and people with asthma and and allergies.

There is a long list of respiratory issues associated with the inhalation of mycotoxins. including sinus congestion, shortness or breath, or the development or aggravation of asthma. Mycotoxins also can cause headaches, fatigue, and in severe cases can even cause neurological symptoms and organ damage.

This is because prolonged exposure to high levels of mold spores attach to the large surface area of your lungs designed for oxygen, and can cross into the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body even causing liver and kidney damage!

In fact, it is estimated that up to 21% of U.S. asthma cases may be attributable to exposure to mold spores in the home, and indoor pollutant levels can be 2-5 times higher than outdoor levels. Often your nose will give you the first clue.

Your home could be making you sick? Can Professional Cleaning and Restoration Systems Help?

Absolutely.

At Professional Cleaning and Restoration Systems we have been cleaning and remediating homes for over 30 years. We are certified by the IICRC, which means our technicians have been trained in the latest cleaning and restoration methods in the industry.

In addition to tried and true remediation techniques, we are also proud to offer the SuperDryXS dehumidifier, the leading dehumidification systems in the industry, as well the Aspen Air Purifier, which was recently awarded the Best Air Filter Systems of 2025 by PropTech Outlook!

At Professional Cleaning and Restoration Systems, we understand that delivering the Cleanest, Healthiest, Most Comfortable Homes Possible requires a multifaceted approach. Yes, we excel at the most basic carpet and upholstery cleaning, to removing mold from your home, but clean is not just limited to what you can see.

We encourage you to call us today to schedule a completely free indoor air quality consultation so we can tailor the indoor air quality solution that best fits the unique needs of you and your family!