Suspected mold causing coughs, first step for inspection?« 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 out some winter clothes from the storage cupboard under our stairs in Jumeirah and found a bunch of them covered in black spots, and the whole area smells really damp. I'm worried the mold might be spreading inside the walls and making us sick. What's the first step I should take to get a proper mold inspection done in Dubai?
Posted by Tariq Al-Zahrani
Asked on May 10, 2026 8:11 am
Stop using the storage cupboard immediately and keep the door closed to prevent spores from circulating. Your description of damp clothes and a persistent cough in children strongly suggests a mold issue, which is common here due to high humidity and condensation buildup in enclosed spaces.

The first step is a professional indoor environmental assessment. Do not attempt a DIY test with store-bought kits, as they are unreliable and can disturb a significant colony, making the problem worse. A proper inspection involves a trained technician using tools like moisture meters and borescopes to check inside walls for hidden dampness and thermal imaging cameras to identify cold spots where condensation occurs.

In Dubai, look for a provider that conducts a full assessment, not just a surface wipe. They should document visible growth, measure humidity levels, and most importantly, take air samples for lab analysis. This culture-based testing is crucial as it identifies the specific mold species present, which determines the health risk and the correct remediation method. For a situation with suspected hidden growth and health symptoms, this lab analysis is non-negotiable.

Once you have the inspection report and lab results, you can then proceed with a targeted remediation plan.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 10, 2026 9:55 am