Found mold behind sofa in Dubai. First step?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past month and we can't figure out why. I've just pulled our sofa away from the wall in our living room in Jumeirah and found a huge patch of black mold behind it, probably from a slow AC leak. I'm really worried about their health. What is the first step I should take for a proper mold inspection here in Dubai?
Posted by Aisha Al-Maktoum
Asked on May 21, 2026 7:25 am
Stop using that room immediately and keep your children away from the contaminated area. Mold exposure, particularly from a large hidden patch, is a likely cause of persistent respiratory issues like coughing in Dubai's climate.

The first step is a professional mold inspection. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as disturbing it will release a massive amount of spores into your home's air. A proper inspection here involves three key actions: identifying the exact moisture source (like that AC leak you suspect), assessing the full extent of hidden growth inside walls or under flooring, and taking air and surface samples for lab analysis to identify the mold species. This last step is critical, as some types like Aspergillus are common here and require specific remediation protocols.

In Dubai, the constant high humidity and year-round AC use create perfect conditions for this kind of hidden growth when a small leak occurs. A certified inspector will use moisture meters and thermal imaging to find the full scope of the problem, which is almost always larger than the visible patch. They should provide a detailed report with lab results from a certified microbiology lab, which is your evidence for any necessary remediation or insurance claims. This diagnostic approach is the only way to ensure the problem is fully resolved and your indoor air is safe again.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 21, 2026 1:33 pm