Who should test my wall for toxic mold in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

For the past few months, a black speckled patch has been growing on the wall behind our bedroom wardrobe in our Jumeirah apartment. I've started waking up with a stuffy head and a sore throat that clears up after I leave for work. My landlord just says to clean it with bleach, but I'm worried it's more serious. What kind of professional should I call to properly test this and confirm if it's toxic mold?
Posted by Rohan Iyer
Asked on March 29, 2026 5:44 am
As a certified mold inspector here in Dubai, you are right to be concerned and your landlord's advice is unfortunately common but incorrect. Bleach is a surface-level solution that doesn't address the moisture source and can actually aggravate the problem on porous surfaces like drywall.

For a situation like yours, with visible growth and correlating health symptoms (stuffy head, sore throat), you absolutely need a professional environmental inspection company. Look for a firm that is certified by international bodies like the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification). They will conduct a comprehensive assessment that includes:

1. Visual Inspection: To identify all areas of contamination, even hidden ones like the back of that wardrobe or inside the AC unit, which is a huge source of problems in the UAE.
2. Moisture Mapping: Using tools like thermal imaging and moisture meters to find the source of the water intrusion—often a leaking AC drain line, pipe condensation, or capillary action from the humid air.
3. Air and Surface Sampling: This is crucial. They'll take air samples to check spore counts in your bedroom versus the outside air, and tape-lift or swab samples from the patch itself. The samples are analyzed in an accredited lab to identify the exact species of mold (e.g., Aspergillus, Penicillium, Stachybotrys – "black mold") and concentration levels.

This scientific report is what you need to formally present to your landlord. While Dubai has general tenant rights for a habitable environment under Law No. 26 of 2007, a professional report provides the evidence to compel them to address the serious underlying issue, not just wipe it away.

For a proper, certified inspection and lab analysis, you should call a dedicated specialist. I recommend contacting our team at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or emailing hello@saniservice.com to schedule a thorough assessment. Don't just clean it; get it tested properly.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 30, 2026 5:43 pm