Found mold in wardrobe, kids coughing. First inspection step?« Back to Previous Page

Given the symptoms you've described, specifically the persistent coughing in children and the visible mold growth on clothing and a damp wall, this constitutes a serious indoor air quality issue that requires immediate and professional attention. In the UAE's climate, the combination of high external humidity and year-round air conditioning creates significant condensation risks, especially in older buildings where insulation may be compromised. The dark spots are likely active microbial growth, and the damp patch indicates a persistent moisture source, which could be a leaking pipe within the wall, condensation from the AC unit, or penetration from the building envelope.

Your first step must be to cease all DIY investigation. Disturbing the mold by handling the clothes or attempting to clean the wall will aerosolize the spores, drastically increasing their concentration in the air your family breathes and exacerbating respiratory issues. Do not use bleach or other unverified chemicals, as these can be ineffective on porous materials and create harmful fumes.

The only correct first step for a proper inspection is to engage a certified professional environmental company like Saniservice. Our inspection process is comprehensive and adheres to UAE best practices. It begins with a detailed visual assessment using borescopes to investigate cavity walls, followed by precise moisture mapping with thermal imaging and hygrometers to identify the exact moisture source. Crucially, we conduct professional air and surface sampling to speciate the mold (identify the exact type, e.g., Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium) and quantify the spore levels. This laboratory analysis is essential to understand the health risk and to formulate a scientifically sound remediation protocol.

For the safety of your family, I strongly recommend you contact our experts immediately for a conclusive assessment. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.