How to remove black bathroom mold making us sick?« Back to Previous Page
|
We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed these black spots growing along the ceiling edge above the shower. I've been waking up with a stuffy nose and a cough for the past month, and my wife says it's worse in the mornings after her shower. I'm in a Jumeirah Park villa and I'm worried it's making us sick.
What's the fastest and most effective way to get rid of it and make sure it doesn't come back?
|
|
Bathroom mold in Dubai is often caused by high humidity and condensation from showers combined with air conditioning creating temperature differentials. The black spots along your ceiling are likely Stachybotrys or Aspergillus, which can cause the respiratory symptoms you're describing, especially upon waking.
For immediate, safe removal, wear an N95 mask and gloves. Scrub the area with a solution of white vinegar or a dedicated mold remover, not just bleach which only removes surface discoloration. Ensure the bathroom is well-ventilated during and after. This is a temporary fix for small, visible patches. To prevent recurrence, you must control the moisture source. Run the bathroom exhaust fan for at least 30 minutes after every shower and wipe down wet surfaces. Consider installing a more powerful exhaust fan if the current one is inadequate. For a villa in Jumeirah Park, check that your AC system is properly balanced; overcooling the bathroom can create excessive condensation on walls and ceilings, feeding mold growth behind the paint. Given that the mold is on the ceiling and you are experiencing health effects, the growth may be more extensive inside the ceiling void or behind the tiles. The most effective long-term solution is a professional assessment to identify the full extent of the colonization and the specific humidity source. A company with microbiological testing can identify the species to confirm its link to your symptoms and verify the cleanup was successful with post-remediation testing, ensuring it doesn't return. |
Please log in to post questions/answers: