How to find a mold inspector for toxic mold?« Back to Previous Page
|
My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past month and my wife keeps waking up with a stuffy nose. We've lived in our Jumeirah villa for two years and just noticed a patch of black spots spreading behind the wardrobe in our bedroom. I'm really worried this mold is making us sick. How do I find a proper mold inspector who can test for toxic types and not just someone who will wipe it away?
|
|
Look for a certified mold inspector, not a remediator, to avoid a conflict of interest. In Dubai, the high humidity and constant AC use create ideal conditions for mold, especially in enclosed spaces like behind furniture. Your symptoms and the spreading patch are strong indicators that a professional assessment is needed.
A proper inspection involves more than a visual check. The inspector should conduct moisture mapping to find the water source and take air and surface samples for lab analysis. This is the only way to identify the specific species, including whether it's one of the more problematic types like Stachybotrys ("toxic" black mold) or Aspergillus, which are commonly found here. Ask potential inspectors for their certification credentials (like from IICRC or IAQA) and insist they provide a detailed report with lab results from an accredited microbiology lab. This report should outline the species present, spore counts in the air, and the moisture source. A credible inspector will never recommend remediation without first providing this diagnostic data. For a villa in Jumeirah, the inspection should prioritize areas prone to condensation and leaks: behind wardrobes on external walls, under sinks, in AC drip pans and ducts, and on ceilings. The final report will be your roadmap for effective, targeted remediation by a separate company. |
Please log in to post questions/answers: