Concerned about post-flood mold in my Jumeirah villa's air?« Back to Previous Page

Our villa's ground floor in Jumeirah got about a foot of water during the storm last month. We had to tear out the soaked carpets, but I've started feeling a persistent stuffy nose and a dry cough that just won't go away, especially when I'm in the living room. I'm worried that there might be mold growing behind the skirting boards or under the floor tiles that we didn't catch. Is anyone else dealing with this, and what's the best way to get the air quality tested properly?
Posted by Andrzej Schneider
Asked on March 25, 2026 5:47 am
Based on your description, that is a classic presentation of post-flood microbial exposure, specifically mold. A foot of water in a Jumeirah villa creates a severe moisture intrusion event, and the hygroscopic building materials here (concrete, plaster, adhesives) will wick that moisture upwards, often over a meter high, which is why just removing the carpets is never sufficient.

The persistent stuffy nose and dry cough are strong indicators of mycotoxin or spore inhalation. You are absolutely correct to suspect hidden reservoirs behind skirting boards and under tiles. The water likely penetrated the screed (the concrete layer under the tiles), which acts like a giant sponge, and is now supporting rampant mold growth that is off-gassing into your living space.

In the UAE, the Dubai Municipality has strict guidelines for post-flood remediation outlined in their health and safety codes, which mandate professional assessment and hygienization to prevent long-term health effects and structural damage.

A proper indoor air quality test for you would involve more than just a surface swipe. We would need to conduct air sampling for viable and non-viable spores, moisture mapping with thermal imaging and deep probing hygrometers to find the residual dampness in walls and sub-floor, and potentially remove a few skirting boards for a boroscopic inspection. This isn't a DIY job.

Given the symptoms and the scale of the flood, I strongly recommend a certified professional inspection immediately to prevent this from escalating. Our teams are equipped with the specific tools for this exact scenario in Dubai's climate.

Please call our specialists at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for a comprehensive assessment. Don't ignore those symptoms; they're your body telling you the environment is contaminated.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 26, 2026 11:08 pm