Wood/Wood floor question

[Iriecd]

I have a question about wood floors and possibly just wood in general.

A few years ago I developed a weird allergy/sensitivity to being around certain wood floor homes or establishments with lots of wood fixtures.

I notice it most intensely when there is a sweet smell, kind of like older wood or something (possibly mildew) The kind of smell I notice in old churches or other old establishments. I also notice the issue when there is a strong natural wood smell like in a cabin or something.

I'm wondering if anyone could tell me what this could possibly be causing the sweet smelling odor and if wood is giving off a strong natural wood smell in a home is it possible to lock it in with a type of finish.

I think I'm currently dealing with a mixture of both odors in the apartment I just moved into. I'm thinking of laying some kind of finish on the floor to possibly lock in the wood smell and getting a air purifier that gets mold out of the air (considering the problems are what I'm assuming they are).

I appreciate any input on the subject.

[ransley]

Wood doesnt smell unless new or wet, its likely mold and could be very serious, a health code violation your city can help with for free.

[PeterD]

There are also alergies to wood itself that can be very dangerous. I'd also recommend talking to a doctor who undersands alereries and getting his/her opinion as well. As to smell, true usually only new/fresh wood emits a noticable odor, but it is (remotely) possible the OP's sensitivity to wood allows him to smell older wood.

That said, I'd check mold alergies first!