Black mold causing coughs in Dubai apartment? Who to call?« Back to Previous Page

Damp walls with black spots are unfortunately common in Dubai apartments, especially after periods of high humidity and when furniture is placed against exterior walls. This can create a cold spot where condensation forms, leading to mold growth. The persistent coughs in your children are a significant concern, as exposure to mold spores is a known irritant that can exacerbate respiratory issues.

Your first step should be to immediately contact your landlord or building management. Under Dubai rental regulations, the property owner is typically responsible for addressing the underlying cause of the mold, which is often a hidden water leak or inadequate insulation. They should arrange for a professional to locate and repair the moisture source.

Do not attempt to clean significant mold growth yourself, as disturbing it can release a large number of spores. For a situation involving health symptoms and damp structural walls, a professional inspection is advised to assess the extent. A proper assessment involves more than a visual check; it should identify the moisture source and the mold species. Remediation companies with their own microbiology labs can provide culture results to confirm the type of mold present, which is crucial for understanding the health risk and ensuring the correct remediation method is used.

Until it is addressed, improve air circulation in the room, keep the wardrobe away from the wall, and ensure your AC is running efficiently to help reduce humidity levels indoors.