Is black mold causing our health issues and what to do?« Back to Previous Page

The black mold in your closet is very likely contributing to your husband's symptoms, especially given the persistent dampness and Dubai's high humidity. Stuffy noses and itchy eyes are common reactions to mold exposure, particularly during sleep when you're in that environment for hours. The dampness suggests a moisture issue, likely from the adjacent bathroom or condensation from the AC unit.

Your first step is to identify and stop the moisture source. Check for leaking pipes behind the bathroom wall, faulty bathroom ventilation, or insufficient insulation causing condensation on cold closet walls. Simply wiping the mold away is ineffective and can spread spores; the area must be properly remediated after the moisture is controlled.

For a case like this, a professional inspection is recommended. They can use moisture meters and thermal imaging to pinpoint the hidden source behind the wall without unnecessary demolition. In the UAE, remediation should follow standards like the IICRC S520 to ensure spores are contained and removed, not just surface-cleaned. Proper remediation includes fixing the moisture problem, isolating the area, removing contaminated materials, and HEPA vacuuming.

After remediation, consider a post-test to verify the spore count has returned to acceptable indoor levels. To prevent recurrence, ensure your AC is serviced and draining properly, maintain low indoor humidity (ideally below 60%), and improve air circulation in the closet.