How to check for hidden mold and who to call in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

Based on your description of persistent dampness, the earthy odour, and the health symptom (your child's cough), there is a very high probability of active mold growth beneath the carpet and within the subfloor. This is a serious indoor air quality issue common in post-flood scenarios here in the UAE, where our high humidity prevents proper drying.

The best way to check for hidden mold is not a DIY project. Surface checks are unreliable. You need a professional inspection that includes:
1. Moisture Mapping: Using penetrating and non-penetrating moisture meters to quantify dampness levels in the carpet, underlay, and concrete slab.
2. Thermal Imaging: An infrared camera will visually identify hidden wet spots and potential mold colonies behind walls and under floors that are not visible to the naked eye.
3. Air and Surface Sampling: This is crucial. Air sampling identifies spore types and concentrations in the air you're breathing, while tape or swab samples from suspected areas (under the carpet) will provide lab-confirmed identification of the mold species. This is often needed for insurance claims and to guide the remediation protocol.

For this, you must call a certified environmental consultant or a specialized remediation company. Do not call a general cleaner. In Dubai, look for companies certified by the Dubai Municipality or following IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) standards for water damage restoration. They have the right equipment and protocols to handle this safely.

For a proper assessment and to get a certified remediation plan, I strongly advise you to call the professionals at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. They can conduct a thorough inspection and ensure the mold is removed correctly, not just superficially cleaned, to make your villa safe for your family.