Episode #57: What's That Smell: mVOCs & Mold with Jason Earle

Have you ever walked into a room and thought, “What’s that smell?” Musty odors aren’t just unpleasant—they could be a red flag that microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) are invading your air.Jason Earle joins us to reveal how mVOCs find their way into your home and lungs, why mold and chemical sensitivity often go hand-in-hand, and how these compounds can trigger serious health issues. Discover how mold dogs can help sniff out hidden problems, how mold interacts with building materials, and why your trigeminal nerve serves as an undercover detective. Tune in to uncover what’s lurking in the air you breathe.Episode Highlights:If you can’t smell mold in your home, does that mean no mold is present? (2:13)What’s the difference between an mVOC and a mycotoxin? (4:50)Why do mold mVOCs vary in how they smell? (8:28)Can mold act to release VOCs from building materials? (10:47)What health effects are associated with mVOCs? (14:36)How does multiple chemical sensitivity, or TILT, relate to mold exposure? (21:05)Does brain retraining mean you don’t need to reduce or eliminate exposure to triggering mold and chemicals? (25:45)Is testing for mVOCs worthwhile? (29:57)How can a mold dog be useful when investigating mold? (34:57)Links Mentioned in Interview:Research by Dr. Joan Bennetthttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/282153519_Are_Some_Fungal_Volatile_Organic_Compounds_VOCs_MycotoxinsStart Here tab: https://changetheairfoundation.org/mold-water-damage/Get in Touch with Our Guest:Got Mold? website: https://www.gotmold.comInstagram: @gotmoldGot Mold? summit: https://gotmoldsummit.comLearn more about Change the Air Foundation:https://www.changetheairfoundation.orgSign up for our newsletter:https://changetheairfoundation.org/stay-informed/Disclaimer: Your Indoor Air Podcast, a Change the Air Foundation production, is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, healthcare or other professional services, such as giving healthcare advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care.  Users should not disregard or delay in seeking medical attention for any medical condition or concern they may have.