Urgent: Black mold in bedroom and cough. Who to call in Dubai« Back to Previous Page
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We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed a patch of black mold in the corner of our master bedroom closet, which is on an exterior wall. It's been extra humid lately and I think it's been spreading, because my husband has developed a persistent cough that seems worse at night. What's the fastest way to get this professionally tested and treated here in Dubai, and should we be seeing a specific type of doctor for his cough?
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First, address the immediate health concern. Your husband's persistent cough that worsens at night is a common reaction to mold exposure, particularly in a sleeping area. A general practitioner or family doctor is a good first step; they can assess his symptoms and may refer him to a pulmonologist (a respiratory specialist) if needed. Be sure to mention the mold discovery in your home.
For the mold itself, the combination of Dubai's high humidity and an exterior wall is a classic recipe for condensation and mold growth. This is not a DIY situation given the health symptoms and potential for hidden growth inside the wall cavity. You need a professional mold inspection from a company that uses moisture meters and thermal imaging to find the water source. Simply cleaning the visible patch will not solve the underlying problem. The fastest way to get it professionally tested is to contact an indoor environmental professional. Look for a provider that conducts its own on-site testing or partners with a local microbiology lab. This allows for immediate spore trap air sampling and surface swabs to be taken, which are then analyzed to identify the specific type of mold. This scientific identification is crucial for understanding the health risk and guiding the remediation protocol. Avoid companies that offer to remediate without first providing this diagnostic data. The treatment must focus on fixing the moisture intrusion—likely condensation from the temperature difference between the air-conditioned room and the exterior wall—before any mold is removed. A proper remediation will include containment of the area, HEPA-filtered air scrubbing, and removal of contaminated porous materials like drywall or insulation. The final step should always be post-remediation verification (clearance testing) to confirm the spore count in the room has returned to a normal, safe level. |
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