What Odours Are a Sign of Poor Indoor Air Quality

Posted in Air Quality, on June 05, 2025

Indoor air quality testing in Toronto examines and classifies the health and safety of your home’s indoor air environment. This is more important than you may think — indoor air quality affects our respiratory system, our brain, our sleep, our skin, and so much more! SafeAir specializes in air quality testing, but you don’t have to be an expert to notice the most obvious sign that something’s wrong: odour. In this article, we’re going to share some of the common odours linked with poor air quality, what health risks you might expect, and what you can do about it. 

Common Odours That Indicate Poor Indoor Air Quality

If you detect any of these smells at home, SafeAir suggests having indoor air quality testing to rule out a serious problem: 

• Musty or damp odours are linked to mold and mildew growth. 
• New materials may cause chemical or plastic smells. 
• A rotten egg or sulphur odour can be a gas leak or sewage issue. 
• Smokey or burnt smells arise from electrical issues and poor ventilation. 
• Stale rooms can indicate poor airflow or a buildup of dust and pollutants. 

Why These Odours Signal Poor Air Quality

These smells are a part of life, but it’s when they linger over days and weeks that they become a problem and start affecting our health and wellness. Unfortunately, long-term exposure to smells can result in becoming “nose blind,” a term used to indicate a level of habituation to a scent. Once you’re nose blind, you may no longer realize that you’re being exposed to something potentially harmful. 

Health Risks Associated with These Odours and Poor Indoor Air Quality

While odours may not seem serious, they can be indicative of problems that can have profound effects on your health and daily life. 

In the short term, headaches, allergies, and respiratory irritation are disruptive and uncomfortable. It can result in more sick days, a reduced immune system, and disrupted sleep. 

In the long term, indoor air pollution can lead to chronic conditions like asthma, as well as affect the neurological system and cognition.

While everyone is affected by poor air quality, children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are generally at a greater risk of more serious health problems. 

What You Can Do About It

Eliminating foul odours and improving your home’s indoor air environment is easy. The SafeAir team offers a range of solutions that you can implement immediately to improve your indoor air quality. 

• Open windows and increase ventilation. Fresh air will help whisk pollutants out. 
• Regularly clean: vacuuming and mopping the floor help eliminate a significant amount of pollen, dust, and particulates that can trigger allergies. 
• Maintain and test big appliances like the furnace, air conditioner, and dryer, especially if they’re powered by natural gas. 
• Invest in an air purifier and use it in the bedroom. 

Don’t Let a Bad Smell Linger!

SafeAir has been helping Torontonians improve their indoor air quality for over a decade with safe, science-based air quality assessments. We utilize a range of industry-standard tools and methodologies to thoroughly examine your home’s indoor environment, identifying both common issues and those that are more challenging to detect, such as radon gas. Whatever your concern, air quality testing in Toronto can help you understand the where, why, when and how. To learn more about testing or book a visit with our team, call or email us today. 

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