Is closet mold in Dubai causing our illness?« Back to Previous Page

Our family villa in Al Barsha has a persistent damp problem in the master bedroom closet, especially on the back wall. We only really noticed it a few weeks ago when the humidity spiked, and now my husband and I have been waking up with stuffy noses and itchy throats every morning. I pulled out some winter clothes yesterday and found several jackets with black and greenish fuzzy spots on them. Could this mold be causing our symptoms and what’s the best way to handle it properly in Dubai?
Posted by Thomas Torres
Asked on April 24, 2026 9:10 am
The symptoms you're experiencing—stuffy noses and itchy throats—are a common reaction to mold exposure, particularly in an enclosed space like a bedroom. The fuzzy black and green spots on your clothes confirm an active growth, which releases spores and mycotoxins into the air you breathe all night.

In Dubai's climate, this is a frequent issue. Persistent dampness in a closet, especially on an exterior wall in a villa, is often due to a combination of high outdoor humidity and a cold spot created by an AC duct, leading to condensation inside the wall. This hidden moisture source is what fuels the mold growth you see on the surface.

For a situation like this, a simple wipe-down is insufficient and can aerosolize more spores. The correct approach starts with identifying and stopping the moisture source, which often requires a professional inspection. They can use thermal imaging to find the condensation point or check for a potential leak from plumbing or the roof.

All affected porous materials, like the clothing and possibly the closet's drywall or backing, need to be properly removed and discarded. The area should then be cleaned with appropriate antimicrobial agents. Given the health symptoms and the extent of growth you've described, a professional remediation company that can provide before-and-after testing to verify the spore count has been returned to safe levels is strongly recommended. This is the only way to ensure the problem is resolved at its root and not just temporarily hidden.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 27, 2026 12:58 am