Could this mold be causing our cough and headaches?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past couple of weeks, and I’ve been getting these awful headaches. I just pulled out our winter clothes from the storage cupboard under the stairs and found a bunch of them covered in black spots. We live in an older villa in Al Quoz and I’m worried the humidity got to it. Could this mold be making us sick, and what’s the first thing I should do to clean it safely?
Posted by Hamad Abbas
Asked on April 5, 2026 5:56 am
Based on your description, it is highly probable that the mold discovered in your Al Quoz villa is the cause of your family's respiratory symptoms and headaches. The black spots are likely Stachybotrys chartarum (often called "black mold") or Aspergillus, both of which are known to produce mycotoxins and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are irritants and can trigger allergic reactions, persistent coughing, and migraines.

The climate in Dubai, particularly the high humidity and constant use of air conditioning, creates a perfect environment for mold proliferation. The storage cupboard under the stairs is a classic problem area; it is a confined, poorly ventilated space where condensation can form, especially when AC-cooled air meets the villa's warmer structural elements. Pulling out the contaminated clothing has likely disturbed the colonies, releasing a high concentration of spores and VOCs into your indoor air, exacerbating your symptoms.

The first action is to stop the exposure. Do not attempt to clean this yourself with bleach or other retail products. Disturbing the mold without proper containment and air filtration will aerosolize the spores throughout your home, increasing the health risk. For safe, effective remediation that complies with UAE health and safety standards, this requires professional assessment and intervention.

I strongly recommend a certified mold inspection to identify the full extent of the contamination, including any hidden growth within the walls or structure, and to conduct air quality testing. Our team at Saniservice specializes in this. We use industry-standard protocols for containment, HEPA filtration, and antimicrobial treatment to remediate the source safely and ensure your villa is healthy again. Please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for an immediate consultation.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 7, 2026 7:58 am