How Odours Impact Indoor Air Quality and Your Health

Relief Restorations
17 minutes ago
7 min read

Introduction

When you notice an unpleasant smell in your home or workplace, it can be tempting to dismiss it as just an inconvenience. In reality, odours are often a warning sign of deeper issues affecting your indoor air quality. From mould growth and smoke residue to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from building materials, odours usually point to contaminants that may pose risks to your health and comfort.

Restoration professionals are trained to go beyond simply masking bad smells. Through specialized testing, source identification, and proven deodorization methods, they address the root cause of odours to restore both the safety of the environment and the peace of mind of its occupants. By treating odours at their source, restoration not only eliminates discomfort but also helps protect respiratory health and prevent long-term damage to property.

Section 1: The Science of Odours

What Odours Really Are

Odours are more than simple smells; they are caused by tiny chemical substances known as odorants. Odorants are molecules that stimulate the human olfactory system, allowing us to detect and identify scents. Many of these molecules fall into a group called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are chemical compounds that easily evaporate into the air.

VOCs are commonly released from building materials, cleaning products, smoke residues, and even mould growth. Because they readily become airborne, they are easily inhaled, making them a key factor in indoor air quality issues. While some VOCs may only create mild, temporary irritation, others can trigger allergies, respiratory problems, and long-term health concerns when exposure is prolonged.

Odour Particle Size and Penetration

One of the challenges in odour control is the microscopic size of odour particles. Smoke particles, for example, range from 0.1 to 4 microns, while tobacco smoke molecules can be even smaller; between 0.01 and 1.0 microns. To put this into perspective, the human eye can only see particles larger than 40 microns.

Because of their incredibly small size, odour molecules can easily penetrate into porous and semi-porous materials such as drywall, fabrics, insulation, and carpets. Once absorbed, these molecules can linger long after the source event; whether it’s a fire, cigarette smoke, or microbial growth; making them difficult to eliminate without professional intervention.

This ability to seep deep into materials is why odours often persist despite surface cleaning or air fresheners. Effective restoration requires not only removing the source but also addressing the trapped odorants within building materials to prevent recurrence.

Section 2: VOCs and Their Health Impacts

Sources of VOCs in Homes and Businesses

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are among the most common contributors to poor indoor air quality. They are released as gases from everyday products and materials such as:

Paints, adhesives, and varnishes
Cleaning products and air fresheners
Building materials, carpets, and furniture
Smoke residues from fire damage or tobacco use
Mould growth and microbial activity

Because VOCs are so widespread, almost every indoor environment contains them to some degree. However, in restoration scenarios, such as after a fire, water damage, or prolonged mould growth, VOCs can accumulate at unhealthy levels.

Health Concerns Linked to VOC Exposure

Exposure to VOCs doesn’t affect everyone the same way, but the risks are well-documented. Common health issues include:

Irritation of eyes, nose, and throat
Headaches, dizziness, or nausea
Respiratory distress such as coughing, wheezing, or aggravated asthma
Heightened allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
Long-term risks, including potential impacts on the nervous system, liver, or kidneys with chronic exposure

Children, seniors, and those with pre-existing health conditions are often most at risk when VOC levels are high. Even at lower concentrations, VOCs can cause ongoing discomfort and reduce the overall quality of indoor living.

Why VOC Control Matters in Restoration

Odour control during restoration is not just about comfort, it’s about health protection. By removing VOC sources, cleaning affected materials, and using professional-grade deodorization methods, restoration specialists help ensure that the air is safe to breathe again. Without proper treatment, lingering VOCs can continue to off-gas, keeping occupants at risk long after the visible damage has been cleaned.

Section 3: Smoke Particles and Respiratory Health

How Smoke Affects Indoor Air

Smoke from fires, tobacco, or even prolonged cooking doesn’t just leave a noticeable odour, it leaves behind microscopic particles that cling to almost every surface in a building. Tobacco smoke particles are the smallest of all, measuring between 0.01 and 1.0 microns, while general smoke particles range from 0.1 to 4 microns. These particles are sticky by nature, allowing them to attach to walls, ceilings, flooring, furniture, and HVAC systems.

Because of their size and ability to penetrate porous materials, smoke residues are some of the hardest contaminants to remove. Even when the immediate smoke event is over, the lingering odour and associated chemicals continue to affect indoor air quality.

Health Risks of Smoke Exposure

Smoke particles pose significant health risks, especially for children, older adults, and individuals with asthma or other respiratory issues. Prolonged or repeated exposure can lead to:

Irritation of the lungs, throat, and eyes
Asthma attacks or worsened allergy symptoms
Increased risk of respiratory infections
Long-term damage to lung function with chronic exposure

A growing concern is third-hand smoke; toxic residues left behind in carpets, drywall, furniture, and ventilation systems. These residues can off-gas and re-contaminate indoor air, making them a hidden but persistent threat to health.

Restoration Response

Addressing smoke damage goes far beyond airing out a space. Restoration professionals use a layered approach that includes:

Source removal: Removing contaminated materials where necessary (e.g., insulation, carpets).
Detailed cleaning: Degreasers and specialized solutions to break down sticky residues.
Advanced deodorization: Ozone, hydroxyl, or thermal fogging treatments to neutralize trapped odours.
Sealing: Applying shellac or oil-based sealers to porous surfaces to lock in any remaining particles.

These steps not only improve air quality but also ensure the building is safe and comfortable for re-occupancy.

Section 4: Microbial Odours and Mould Growth

What Microbial Odours Are

That “musty” smell you sometimes notice in basements, bathrooms, or attics is usually caused by microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs). These are gases released by mould and other fungi as they grow and digest organic materials. Unlike surface dust or dirt, microbial odours indicate that active mould growth is present somewhere in the structure.

Health Implications of Microbial Odours and Indoor Air Quality

Microbial odours aren’t just unpleasant, they are also associated with a range of health problems. Even low levels of exposure can impact sensitive individuals. Common issues include:

Allergic reactions such as sneezing, watery eyes, and skin irritation.
Respiratory problems, including chronic coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Asthma flare-ups, particularly in children and those with pre-existing conditions.
More serious risks such as Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), which some studies link to prolonged exposure to mould and MVOCs.

Vulnerable groups, including infants, seniors, and immune-compromised individuals, are at greatest risk from microbial contamination.

Detection and Remediation

Because microbial odours are directly tied to moisture problems, the first step in addressing them is finding the source of water intrusion. This could be a leaky pipe, roof issue, condensation, or flooding. Once the moisture source is located, restoration professionals:

Contain the affected area to prevent spores from spreading.
Remove contaminated materials such as drywall, insulation, or carpets.
Clean and disinfect remaining surfaces to eliminate spores and MVOCs.
Dry the structure thoroughly using dehumidifiers and air movers to prevent regrowth.

By dealing with both the odour and its root cause, mould remediation restores not only air quality but also long-term structural safety.

Section 5: Protecting Your Indoor Air and Health

Professional Odour Remediation

The key to long-term indoor air quality is addressing odours at their source, not just covering them up. Restoration professionals follow a structured approach:

Source removal – Eliminating contaminated or odour-causing materials.
Thorough cleaning – Using professional-grade solutions to remove residues.
Advanced deodorization – Applying techniques such as ozone treatment, hydroxyl generators, or thermal fogging to neutralize trapped odours.
Sealing – Locking in any remaining odour molecules with specialized sealers on porous materials.

This process not only restores comfort but also protects health by removing or neutralizing harmful compounds.

Safe Treatment Considerations

While effective, some deodorization methods (like ozone or chemical antimicrobials) can pose risks if not handled properly. Trained professionals follow strict safety protocols, ensuring treatments are only applied under the right conditions and with the proper protective measures. This protects both technicians and building occupants.

What Homeowners Can Do

There are simple steps you can take to improve indoor air quality and reduce odours before professional help is needed:

Keep your home well ventilated by regularly exchanging indoor and outdoor air.
Use dehumidifiers to maintain indoor humidity below 50%.
Respond quickly to water leaks or flooding to prevent microbial growth.
Schedule professional inspections if odours persist or worsen despite cleaning efforts.

Conclusion

Odours are often more than just a nuisance, they can be an early warning sign of hidden problems with indoor air quality. From VOCs and smoke particles to microbial odours, each type of odour carries potential risks for your health, especially for those with respiratory sensitivities or weakened immune systems.

By identifying the source, treating it effectively, and using the right restoration techniques, odour remediation protects both your property and your wellbeing. If you notice lingering odours in your home or business, it’s best not to ignore them. Relief Restorations can help restore a clean, healthy, and safe environment, so you can breathe easier and feel confident in your space again.

Contact Relief Restorations Today

Schedule a mould air test, moisture survey, asbestos testing, remediation, inspection or consultation with our team to ensure your home is protected. Let us help you safeguard your home and restore peace of mind, knowing that you’re in good hands.

Our Testing, Inspection, & Remediation Services Include:

Water Damage – Restoration | Content Restoration | Moisture Surveys

Fire & Smoke Damage – Restoration | Content Restoration | Odour

Mould – Remediation | Air Testing | Fogging | Inspections

Asbestos – Remediation | Testing | Inventories | Inspections

Non-Structural Demolition Services

Other Services:

Contents Services

Ceiling Stipple Removal

Vermiculite Removal

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About Relief Restorations

At Relief Restorations, we specialize in providing comprehensive mould remediation, water damage restoration, fire/smoke damage restoration, asbestos removal, light demolition, inspection and testing services across Winnipeg and Manitoba, Canada.

With a focus on safety and quality, our expert team is dedicated to restoring your property and ensuring a healthier living environment. Whether you're a homeowner, business, tenant, landlord, or property manager, you can trust us to handle any restoration or remediation challenge with professionalism and care.

Please note: The information on this post and website are for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not replace professional inspection or remediation services or offer legal or medical advice.