Mold inspection needed for kids' cough in Dubai home?« Back to Previous Page
|
My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past month and I'm starting to worry. I've noticed a persistent damp, earthy smell coming from the back of the built-in wardrobes in our master bedroom, especially since the humidity spiked a few weeks ago. We live in an older building in Jumeirah 1. Is there a specific type of mold inspection I should get that can identify if this is what's making them sick?
|
|
Persistent coughs in children paired with a damp smell from wardrobes in an older Jumeirah building strongly indicate a potential mold issue. The high humidity we experience, combined with year-round AC use, creates ideal conditions for mold growth inside walls and behind furniture where condensation can form.
You need a professional inspection that includes air and surface sampling. For health-related cases, the inspection must identify not just the presence of mold, but the specific species. Some types, like Aspergillus, are more strongly linked to respiratory irritation and can thrive in our climate. The inspection should use lab culture analysis to provide this identification, as visual inspection alone cannot confirm the type or its potential health impact. Look for a provider that uses a moisture meter to find the source of the dampness, which is often a hidden leak or penetrating damp from our humid air. They should also conduct an air quality test to compare spore counts inside the wardrobe with a controlled outdoor sample. This data is crucial to directly link the mold presence to your indoor air. In Dubai, there are no specific tenant regulations forcing landlords to remediate, but they are generally responsible for fixing leaks that cause the problem. Your first step is a professional inspection with a documented report; this provides the evidence needed to formally request remediation from your building management. Given the symptoms, this is a legitimate health concern that warrants a science-driven assessment. |
Please log in to post questions/answers: