Urgent to inspect mold causing kids' cough?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing for the past couple of weeks and I’m starting to worry. I just pulled out a storage box from the corner of our master bedroom closet in our villa in Jumeirah and found a patch of black fuzzy mold on the wall behind it, which must have been growing for a while. Given the humidity here, how urgently do I need to get a professional mold inspection done?
Posted by Karen Scott
Asked on May 15, 2026 2:15 am
Any visible mold growth combined with respiratory symptoms like a persistent cough warrants a professional inspection. The humidity in Dubai provides ideal conditions for mold, and hidden colonies in AC units or behind walls are common. An inspection identifies the source of moisture and the full extent of the problem, which is often larger than the visible patch.

For your situation, with children affected and a confirmed growth in the bedroom, an inspection is recommended promptly. The inspector will use moisture meters and borescopes to check inside walls and the AC system, as these are frequent culprits. The type of mold matters; while many cause irritation, some species can trigger more significant allergic reactions. A proper inspection includes air and surface sampling sent to an accredited lab to identify the species and spore count, which is critical for planning safe remediation.

Do not attempt to clean the visible patch yourself, as disturbing it can aerosolize spores and worsen the air quality. Until the inspection, keep the closet closed and the room well-ventilated. Running dehumidifiers can help lower the indoor humidity level, a key step in controlling mold growth in our climate. Focus on identifying and stopping the moisture source, which in villas is often due to condensation from AC ducts, minor leaks, or water ingress from high humidity.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 15, 2026 10:45 am