Is this black mold in my Dubai home dangerous?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past month and I just found patches of black, fuzzy stuff in the corner of their bedroom closet, behind some boxes. We're in an older building in Jumeirah and I know the humidity has been terrible lately. Is this definitely the dangerous black mold I keep hearing about and how do I handle it safely without putting my family at risk?
Posted by Steven Anderson
Asked on March 26, 2026 12:07 pm
Based on your description, the situation in your Jumeirah home presents several classic indicators of a significant mold issue. The combination of an older building, persistent high humidity, and the presence of a black, fuzzy growth behind stored items is highly concerning.

While the term "black mold" is often associated with Stachybotrys chartarum, not all black-colored molds are this specific type. However, any mold growth in a living space, particularly where occupants are experiencing respiratory symptoms like persistent coughing, must be treated as a potential health hazard. The humid climate in Dubai, especially during summer, creates ideal conditions for mold proliferation. Year-round air conditioning can also contribute to the problem if units are not properly maintained, as they may create cold surfaces where condensation forms, providing the moisture mold needs to grow.

Attempting to handle this yourself is not advisable. Disturbing the mold during cleaning can aerosolize spores and mycotoxins, significantly increasing airborne contamination and potentially exacerbating your children's health issues. For a situation of this nature, a professional inspection is imperative.

A certified mold inspector will conduct a comprehensive assessment, including moisture mapping to find the water source and air/o-surface sampling to identify the species and concentration of mold present. This is critical for determining the appropriate remediation protocol, as per UAE standards for indoor environmental quality.

I strongly recommend you contact a professional service immediately. Saniservice specializes in mold inspection and remediation specifically for the Gulf region's climate. Their experts can safely contain the area, remove the contamination, and advise on moisture control to prevent recurrence. For the safety of your family, please call them at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for a consultation.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 28, 2026 4:14 pm