Is this toxic mold in our bedroom?« Back to Previous Page

Our bedroom wall behind the wardrobe has a bunch of these small black spots that we only noticed when we moved the furniture to clean last week. Since then, both my husband and I have been waking up with stuffy noses and itchy throats that clear up a few hours after we leave for work. We’re in an older building in Deira and I'm really worried it's mold from the humidity. How can we tell for sure if it’s toxic mold and what’s the first step we should take to deal with it safely?
Posted by Arun Nair
Asked on March 19, 2026 8:17 pm
Based on your description, the signs strongly point towards a mold infestation. The visual identification of black spots, combined with the health symptoms (stuffy nose, itchy throat) that subside when you leave the environment, are classic indicators of a mold problem. The location, behind a large piece of furniture like a wardrobe, is a prime spot for growth due to restricted air circulation, which allows humidity from the air to condense on the cooler wall surface.

In Dubai's climate, where high humidity is a constant challenge, especially in older buildings in areas like Deira that may have less effective insulation or outdated AC systems, this is a very common issue.

It is impossible to determine if a mold is "toxic" (more accurately referred to as toxigenic) just by looking at it. While the notorious Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold) is dark in color, many other allergenic species appear identical. Only laboratory analysis of a sample can confirm the species and its potential health risks.

The first step is to STOP. Do not attempt to clean or disturb the area further. Disturbing the mold can release a massive amount of spores and mycotoxins into your bedroom air, exacerbating your symptoms. The safest and most critical step is to seek a professional inspection.

A certified mold inspector will conduct a thorough assessment, including moisture mapping to find the source of the humidity and air/o-surface sampling to identify the contaminant. This is essential for determining the correct remediation protocol as per UAE standards. For your health and safety, I strongly recommend you contact our team for a comprehensive inspection. Please call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an assessment.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 22, 2026 1:26 pm