Could black mold be causing our coughs and headaches?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past two weeks and I'm getting constant headaches. We live in a ground-floor apartment in Jumeirah and after all the heavy rain and humidity last month, I’ve started seeing these black speckles along the bottom of our bedroom wall behind the wardrobe. Could this mold be the cause of our symptoms and how urgent is it to deal with?
Posted by Suresh Singh
Asked on March 24, 2026 11:06 pm
Based on your description, the answer is a high probability yes. The symptoms you're describing – persistent cough and headaches – are classic indicators of exposure to mold mycotoxins, particularly from species like Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold). The environmental conditions you've detailed are a textbook case for mold proliferation here in Dubai: a ground-floor apartment in Jumeirah that experienced water intrusion from the recent exceptional rainfall, coupled with high ambient humidity, creates the perfect breeding ground. The location behind a wardrobe is critical; it indicates a lack of air circulation, allowing moisture to become trapped and mold to thrive unseen.

In the UAE, the high humidity, especially post-rain events, can cause condensation within building structures, leading to dampness that is not always immediately visible. The black speckles are a significant visual confirmation of a colony. This is not something to delay on, as prolonged exposure can exacerbate respiratory issues, particularly in children, and lead to more severe health complications.

This situation requires immediate professional attention. DIY cleaning is strongly discouraged as it can aerosolize the spores, worsening the contamination and your family's exposure. A certified mold inspector will conduct a comprehensive assessment, including moisture mapping and air quality testing, to determine the spore count and species present, which is crucial for an effective remediation plan. This is a serious case given the health symptoms and visible growth.

Please do not hesitate to contact our team for a professional inspection and tailored remediation strategy. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an assessment. Your family's health is paramount.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 26, 2026 3:56 am