If there is mold present in your living space, exposure to this substance can cause serious harm, including respiratory problems and mold toxicity.
It’s important to be alert to signs of mold so you can take action, such as alerting your landlord or pursuing a legal claim against those responsible for exposure that makes you sick.
Matthew de Lira can help if you are exposed to mold because of the negligence of your landlord or because of someone who sold an unsafe property to you. Give us a call at any time to speak with a mold exposure lawyer in San Diego who can help you.
You should also learn how to recognize mold in your space, and understanding what mold smells like is a key way to do that. This guide explains how you can detect the odor of mold so you can better identify when it is present in your space.
What does mold smell like?
There are many different species of mold, each of which may have its own distinct smell. Some of the most common odors associated with mold include:
- A musty smell: A musty odor, like the smell of a damp basement, is one of the most common odors associated with mold.
- An earthy odor: Mold can also smell earthy, like the floor of a forest after a rainstorm.
- Wet socks: In some cases, mold can smell like wet socks or damp fabric. This is especially likely if mold is growing in a wet carpet.
- Rotting paper or wood. When mold grows on a wood subfloor or on drywall, it can give off the odor of rotting wood or paper.
- A sour or tangy odor: This is a smell similar to fruit that’s overripe or beer that has gone stale.
- Ammonia: Sometimes, mold smells very strong and gives off a chemical odor. This smell resembles the smell of cat urine.
If you spot these odors in your living space and they keep returning after you have thoroughly cleaned the area, this can be a sign that you have mold somewhere in your home such as underneath the flooring, in the HVAC system, or behind the walls.
What should you do if you smell mold?
If you smell mold, it is a good idea to consult with a licensed home inspector or a mold remediation expert. These professionals can come to your home and determine if you have mold present.
Mold remediation specialists can also identify the species of mold, determine the risks it presents to your health, and help you to remove the mold from your space.
If you are experiencing symptoms of respiratory illnesses or experiencing other health issues, you should also get medical help and carefully document any medical conditions the mold has caused you to develop.
Finally, if your mold exposure is the fault of a landlord who failed to fix water intrusion or who failed to remove mold from your home, you should also contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to explore your options for taking legal action.
Contact a mold exposure lawyer in California
You may be entitled to compensation if you get sick due to mold exposure caused by a landlord or by someone else who owed you a duty of care. Matthew de Lira can help.
We have represented many clients exposed to mold by the negligence of others and helped them get compensation for damages. We can work to do the same for you. Give us a call or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation to learn more.