Is black mold under bathtub causing our health issues?« Back to Previous Page

Black mold under silicone sealant is a common issue in Dubai bathrooms due to the high humidity and condensation from showers combined with year-round AC use creating temperature differentials. The type you describe is very likely contributing to your family's persistent coughing and headaches, as these are classic symptoms of mold spore exposure.

You should absolutely consult a doctor and inform them about the mold discovery. They can assess if the exposure has triggered allergic reactions, sinusitis, or exacerbated asthma. For your children, this is particularly important. Documenting the health issues alongside the environmental cause is crucial.

In the UAE, this is considered a serious habitability issue. For tenants, the Dubai Rental Law stipulates that landlords must address conditions that affect health and safety, which includes pervasive mold infestations caused by underlying moisture or building defects.

Do not attempt to remove significant growth yourself. Disturbing it without proper containment will aerosolize a massive amount of spores throughout your apartment. A professional inspection can identify the moisture source—often a leaking pipe or shower pan behind the tiles—and assess the full extent. Remediation involves removing the contaminated sealant and any affected materials, addressing the water intrusion, and using HEPA filtration to clean the air. After remediation, a post-test verifies the spore count has returned to safe, ambient levels. For a case this severe with clear health symptoms, this professional approach is the only way to ensure the problem is resolved completely.