Is bedroom mold in Dubai causing husband's illness?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed a ton of black spots growing on the back of our bedroom wardrobe, which is on the wall facing the outside. Since the weather got really humid, my husband has been waking up with a stuffy nose and a cough that clears up once he's at the office. I'm really worried this mold is making him sick. How dangerous is this and what's the proper way to get rid of it for good in a Dubai villa?
Posted by Wei Takahashi
Asked on April 10, 2026 3:25 am
The black mould behind your wardrobe is highly likely the cause of your husband's respiratory symptoms, especially since they improve when he leaves the home. In Dubai's climate, exterior walls are common sites for condensation due to the extreme temperature differential between the air-conditioned interior and the hot, humid exterior. This trapped moisture creates an ideal environment for mould growth.

For a small, visible patch (under one square meter), you can clean it yourself with a solution of white vinegar or a dedicated mould remover, wearing an N95 mask and gloves. However, given its location on a structural wall and the correlation with illness, this suggests a persistent moisture issue that simple cleaning won't fix. The wall itself may be compromised.

The proper remediation involves identifying and eliminating the source of moisture, which could be a minor leak or, more commonly, penetrating damp from outside or condensation within the wall cavity. A professional inspection using tools like a moisture meter is needed to diagnose this. They will remove the affected materials, treat the area with antimicrobial solutions, and ensure the wall is properly sealed and insulated to prevent recurrence, in line with Dubai Municipality's public health guidelines for habitability. Given your husband's reaction, I would strongly recommend this professional assessment to resolve it permanently.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 10, 2026 10:44 am