AboutDavid Deal Expertise Indoor air quality, mold, compliance questions as well. Also, expert on lead, asbestos, radon, and most any other environmental/industrial hygiene issues.
Expert: David Deal Date: 1/26/2008 Subject: "Organic Decomposition Odor"
Question Hi David,
I have a house in northern New Jersey. In the garage, there is an alcove that we had a 2nd refrigerator in. Over a month ago a very strong odor became present in the garage, and drifts into the house. We've had two mold experts that checked throughout the house, water lines, etc. and both independently concluded that is was some kind of organic decomp odor. We've discarded the refrigerator, removed the walls, insulation but the odor remains, we are stumped. Thanks so much for your advice. Best, Kristen
Answer Hate to ask this way but did you pay these 'mold' people and that is all they came up with? Not wanting to be sarcastic but I see things like that all the time.
Organic decomposition is basically something is rotting somewhere. That can be mold or bacteria. I am assuming its not a dead animal smell. That would fit organic but that sort of thing is usually obvious.
First, if two 'pros' were onsite and couldnt find the odor, then its most likely saturation into materials OR hidden very well. Did they run any air samples? Certain types of spores can be very specific as to the source.
Here is what I'd try first. Clean all the dust and debris you can find, even inside wall cavities that can be accessed without too much destruction.
Then, get some BEHR mold mildew stain remover, found at any Behr paint dealers. Dilute this 3-1 with water. This is basically strong bleach with surfactant and some sort of caustic agent. Spray this on all compatable surfaces, most are. Then open windows and run as many fans in area to dry it out ASAP. Lots of fresh air.
This will cause most biologicals to oxidize via the bleach and break down. If this does not work, you need to get a good home inspector in to find the damaged hidden area. Also, you should check for rodent nests. They often have such odors.
