How to find mold inspection for child's persistent cough?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our villa in Mirdif seems to be spreading a dusty, damp smell throughout the upstairs bedrooms, and my youngest has developed a persistent cough that just won't go away. We had a small leak from the ceiling during the heavy rains in March that we thought we'd cleaned up, but I'm worried moisture got into the walls. What's the best way to find a professional who can do a proper mold inspection and air quality test, especially with kids in the house?
Posted by Klaus Sanchez
Asked on April 18, 2026 6:50 pm
The persistent cough and damp smell strongly suggest a mold issue, especially given the past leak during Dubai's heavy rains. Moisture trapped inside walls or AC ducts creates an ideal environment for mold growth in our humid climate.

You need a professional inspection that includes air and surface sampling. Look for a provider with a certified indoor environmental professional (CIEC) or similar qualification who uses a third-party, accredited microbiology lab for analysis. This ensures the results are unbiased and scientifically valid. Avoid companies that only do a visual inspection or immediately push for remediation without diagnostic data.

Specifically ask if their inspection includes thermal imaging to detect hidden moisture in walls and air sampling to identify spore types and concentrations. For a child's health concern, the report should clearly state the species identified (e.g., Cladosporium vs. Aspergillus) and the indoor spore count compared to an outdoor control sample.

In Dubai, reputable inspectors should be familiar with DHA and Dubai Municipality guidelines. They should provide a comprehensive report detailing the source of moisture, the extent of contamination, and a clear remediation protocol—not just a sales pitch for removal. The most credible inspectors are independent from remediation companies to avoid conflicts of interest.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 19, 2026 11:24 am