Is black mold causing my husband's illness? How urgent?« Back to Previous Page

Our villa in Jumeirah has been really humid since the heavy rains in Al Quoz a few weeks back, and now I’ve spotted black mold patches growing behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom. My husband has had a constant stuffy nose and a cough that won’t go away, and I’m starting to worry it’s connected. How urgent is it that we get this professionally treated, and should we be sleeping in another room in the meantime?
Posted by Adel Ahmed
Asked on March 28, 2026 10:45 pm
Based on your description, it is highly probable that the black mold growth in your villa and your husband's persistent respiratory symptoms are connected. The recent heavy rains in Dubai, particularly in areas like Jumeirah and Al Quoz, have created widespread moisture intrusion issues in buildings not designed for such events. This leads to elevated humidity levels, which, when combined with year-round AC use (which can create condensation if not properly maintained), creates the perfect environment for toxic black mold (often Stachybotrys chartarum) to proliferate.

The symptoms you describe—a constant stuffy nose and a persistent cough—are classic indicators of exposure to mycotoxins and mold spores. These contaminants become airborne, are inhaled, and can cause chronic allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and lower respiratory tract irritation. For individuals with underlying conditions like asthma or weakened immune systems, the effects can be more severe.

The situation is urgent. Continuous exposure will likely exacerbate the symptoms and could lead to more serious long-term health complications. It is imperative that you cease exposure immediately. I strongly recommend you and your husband relocate to another room, preferably in a different part of the villa with better ventilation and no musty odor, until a professional assessment can be completed.

Do not attempt to remove the mold yourself. Disturbing it without proper containment protocols will aerosolize a massive amount of spores and mycotoxins, drastically increasing the exposure risk and contaminating other areas of your home.

A certified professional inspection is the critical next step. We use thermal imaging to identify hidden moisture sources and air/o-surface sampling to speciate the mold and determine the concentration levels, which is essential for planning an effective remediation strategy. Our protocols are designed to meet and exceed the strict hygiene standards expected in the UAE.

For an immediate assessment and to safeguard your family's health, please contact our experts at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 31, 2026 4:00 am