Musty odors are often associated with damp or water damaged buildings and are a frequent source of occupant complaints. These odors originate from the release of volatile organic chemicals from mold growth occurring on building materials and construction substrates. Known as microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs), these volatile chemicals represent a variety of chemical classes.

Phase II of this project, as summarized in this current report, includes laboratory studies of MVOC production by molds growing on various building materials and the identification of MVOCs as found in field studies of water-damaged buildings.

Units: SI