Should we relocate during a mold inspection?« Back to Previous Page

Relocation depends entirely on the extent of the contamination, which isn't possible to determine without a professional inspection. Given the symptoms you've described—persistent coughing and visible growth on stored items—it is prudent to assume the issue is significant until proven otherwise.

For your family's health, especially with children, staying elsewhere during the inspection is strongly recommended. The process of inspecting a built-in wardrobe and testing for airborne spores will disturb the mold, potentially increasing exposure temporarily. The damp feeling in the room, even with AC, points to a likely humidity or condensation issue common in Dubai's climate, where AC systems can sometimes contribute to moisture problems if not properly balanced.

You should call a certified mold inspection company that employs a third-party accredited laboratory for analysis. This is critical for an unbiased assessment. In the UAE, look for providers whose inspectors hold certifications like CMR (Council for Microbial Remediation) or similar, and who can provide a detailed report with lab results identifying the species present. This documented evidence is what you need to understand the actual risk and plan any necessary remediation. Avoid companies that also do remediation and offer to do both; there's an inherent conflict of interest.

Until the inspection, keep the wardrobe closed and the bedroom door shut to minimize spore migration to other parts of the home. Do not attempt to clean the sweaters yourself, as this will only aerosolize the spores.