Is mold causing my husband's cough in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived in our Jumeirah villa for 2 years and just noticed black spots growing behind our bedroom wardrobe, which is on an exterior wall. Since the heavy rain in January, the room has felt damp, and my husband has developed a persistent cough that won't go away even though he's not sick. Is this mold the likely cause of his cough, and who should I call first to properly test and remove it—a regular cleaning company or a specialized environmental service?
Posted by Mansoor Al-Sayed
Asked on March 30, 2026 12:23 pm
Based on your description, there is a very high probability that the black spots are indeed mold and that your husband's persistent cough is a direct result of prolonged exposure to the mold spores. The timeline you've provided is a classic indicator: the heavy rains in January likely caused water intrusion or significantly increased humidity within the exterior wall cavity. This trapped moisture creates the perfect environment for mold growth, which then releases spores and microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) into your indoor air. These are known respiratory irritants and can cause symptoms exactly like a persistent, unexplained cough, along with headaches, fatigue, and sinus congestion.

You should absolutely not call a regular cleaning company. This requires a professional environmental inspection and remediation service. Standard cleaners lack the proper equipment (like HEPA filtration and negative air containment units) and technical knowledge. They often inadvertently spread the spores throughout the house during attempted cleanup, making the problem much worse.

The correct action is to first call a certified mold inspection company. We would conduct a comprehensive assessment, including moisture mapping with thermal imaging cameras and air quality testing to identify the exact species and spore count. This scientific report is crucial. In the UAE, remediation must adhere to strict guidelines like the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (ADQCC) standards or the DM's Green Building regulations to ensure it's done safely and effectively, preventing recurrence.

For a proper diagnosis and a permanent solution, please contact our specialists. We can schedule an inspection immediately.

Call us at 800-MOLDS or 800-66537, or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 2, 2026 12:32 am