Should I test for mold in my Dubai villa?« Back to Previous Page

Our villa in Al Barsha is only a few years old, but ever since the humidity spiked a couple of months ago, we've noticed small black speckles forming in the corner of our youngest daughter's bedroom closet. She’s had a persistent runny nose and I'm starting to worry it's connected. What’s the best way to get this tested properly to know exactly what we're dealing with?
Posted by Andrzej Bianchi
Asked on March 26, 2026 3:48 pm
Based on your description of a new villa in Al Barsha with recent humidity issues and the correlation to your daughter's health symptoms, my professional recommendation is an unequivocal yes, you should have the property professionally tested.

The black speckles in the closet corner are a classic indicator of a condensation-related mold growth, a common issue in Dubai's climate. The high ambient humidity, combined with year-round air conditioning, creates significant temperature differentials within a structure. Cooler, less-ventilated spaces like closets on external walls are prime locations for condensation to form, providing the moisture necessary for mold colonies to establish. Your daughter's persistent runny nose could indeed be a reaction to mycotoxins or mold spores released into the bedroom's air.

For accurate identification, DIY test kits are highly discouraged as they are unreliable and can lead to false negatives. A certified mold inspector will conduct a comprehensive assessment that includes moisture mapping with thermal imaging and hygrometers to locate the source of the dampness, visual inspection, and most critically, air quality sampling. This involves collecting air samples from the affected room, a control room, and the outdoors for comparative analysis at an accredited laboratory. This identifies not only the presence of mold but the specific genus and concentration levels, which is vital for determining the appropriate remediation protocol.

Given the potential health implications and the structural nature of the moisture source, a professional inspection is essential. For a certified assessment and laboratory testing, I recommend you contact the specialists at Saniservice. They are equipped to provide a definitive diagnosis and a clear remediation plan. You can reach them at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or via hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Andrzej Ricci
Answered on March 27, 2026 1:12 am