Is recurring mold after a leak dangerous to health?« Back to Previous Page

Our building in Jumeirah had some water leakage from the upstairs neighbor’s AC unit a few months back, and even though the ceiling was repaired, I’ve just noticed a small patch of black and greenish mold starting to reappear in the corner. My husband has had a persistent cough for the last two weeks that won’t go away. Is this the kind of mold that’s actually dangerous to our health, or is it something we can clean ourselves with vinegar?
Posted by Julia Meyer
Asked on March 24, 2026 6:15 pm
Based on your description, this is a situation that requires immediate professional attention. Recurring mold after a leak is a significant red flag. The initial repair likely addressed the cosmetic ceiling damage but failed to remediate the hidden moisture source and contaminated materials within the ceiling void. The persistent cough your husband is experiencing is a classic symptom of exposure to mycotoxins or mold spores, which can be exacerbated by the UAE's high humidity that allows mold to thrive.

The black and greenish patch is almost certainly indicative of ongoing microbial growth. Common household molds like Aspergillus or even toxic black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) can produce these colors. DIY cleaning with vinegar is strongly discouraged. It is a surface-level treatment that will not address the root cause—the moisture trapped inside your building materials. Furthermore, improper cleaning can aerosolize spores, drastically increasing airborne contamination and worsening respiratory issues.

In Dubai, property damage and health concerns from such issues are taken seriously. While specific mold regulations are emerging, the Dubai Municipality has strict health and safety codes for buildings. A certified inspector will conduct a comprehensive assessment, including moisture mapping and air quality testing, to identify the full extent of the contamination and the species present.

For your family's health and to ensure the problem is solved permanently, I strongly recommend a professional inspection and remediation. Please do not attempt to handle this yourself.

Call our specialists at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for an immediate consultation. We can provide a definitive assessment and a safe, guaranteed remediation plan.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 26, 2026 5:45 pm