Is mold in our villa making us sick?« Back to Previous Page

It is very likely the mold from your storage room is contributing to the symptoms you and your children are experiencing. The black spots on clothing and the persistent dampness are strong indicators of an active mold problem. The coughing and headaches you describe are common reactions to mold exposure, which releases spores and microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) into the air you breathe.

The climate in Dubai is a significant factor. High humidity, especially in less frequently used rooms like storage areas, creates ideal conditions for mold growth on organic materials like cotton, wool, and leather. Year-round air conditioning can also contribute by creating cold surfaces where condensation forms if the system is not properly balanced or maintained.

For a situation involving health symptoms and visible growth, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. An expert will identify the moisture source—which could be a hidden leak, rising damp, or condensation—and assess the full extent of the contamination, often with tools like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras. They can also take air and surface samples for lab analysis to determine the specific mold types present, which is crucial for understanding potential health risks and planning an effective remediation strategy. In the meantime, avoid using that room and do not attempt to clean the moldy items yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize a high concentration of spores throughout your home.