Should we leave our home due to hidden black mold?« Back to Previous Page

Our family has been living in our Jumeirah villa for about five years, but just in the last couple of months, we've all had this persistent stuffy nose and itchy eyes. I finally pulled our leather sofa away from the wall in the living room and found a huge patch of black mold hidden behind it, which must have been growing from the humidity. Is it safe for us to stay in the house while we get this professionally inspected, or should we leave immediately?
Posted by Patricia Moore
Asked on May 6, 2026 5:25 pm
Hidden black mold is a serious health concern, but immediate evacuation is not always necessary. The decision depends on the extent of the infestation and your family's sensitivity.

Your symptoms—stuffy noses and itchy eyes—are classic reactions to mold exposure. Given the humid Dubai climate, especially during summer, condensation behind furniture against cold exterior walls is a very common source of hidden mold growth. For most healthy individuals, managing exposure by avoiding the affected room and increasing ventilation can be sufficient until a professional inspection is completed.

However, if any family member has asthma, a compromised immune system, or severe respiratory issues, it would be prudent to stay elsewhere until the inspection is done. The risk is higher for infants and the elderly as well.

Do not attempt to disturb the mold yourself, as this can release a large number of spores into the air. A proper inspection by a company with a microbiology lab is critical. They will assess the extent of the growth behind the wall and conduct air quality tests to determine the spore count throughout your villa. This data is the only way to understand the true scope of the problem and the associated risk. The inspector’s findings will provide a clear recommendation on whether remediation can be done with occupancy or if temporary relocation is the safer option.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 8, 2026 8:58 am