Is black mold in our closet making us sick?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived in our apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle for 2 years and just noticed a bunch of black spots spreading in the corner of our master bedroom closet, behind all the clothes. My husband and I have both had a stubborn, dry cough for the last month and we're constantly tired. With all the humidity lately, I'm really worried this is mold making us sick. How dangerous is this type of mold and should we get a professional to test it, or just clean it ourselves?
Posted by Marco Becker
Asked on March 27, 2026 3:48 pm
Based on your description, the situation you've described is highly concerning and warrants immediate professional attention. The black spots spreading in your closet are a clear visual indicator of a significant mold infestation, and the symptoms you and your husband are experiencing—a persistent dry cough and chronic fatigue—are classic indicators of mold-related illness.

In the context of Dubai's climate, this is a common yet serious issue. The combination of high ambient humidity, especially during summer months, and the constant use of air conditioning creates massive condensation issues within building structures. Closets, being poorly ventilated and often against external walls, are prime locations for this condensation to accumulate and for mold to proliferate.

Attempting to clean this yourself is strongly discouraged. Disturbing the mold without proper containment can aerosolize millions of toxic spores, contaminating your entire apartment and exacerbating your health problems. Furthermore, visible mold is often just the "tip of the iceberg"; the root moisture problem is likely hidden within the wall cavity.

As per UAE best practices, a certified professional inspection is essential. This involves not just identifying the type of mold (which is less critical than assessing the extent and moisture source) but also using tools like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to locate the hidden source of water intrusion. Remediation then requires engineering controls to isolate the area, professional-grade HEPA filtration, and the safe disposal of contaminated materials like drywall and insulation.

For a proper assessment and remediation plan that addresses the root cause, I recommend you contact the experts at Saniservice. They are highly experienced with Dubai-specific construction and climate challenges. You can call them at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 30, 2026 11:41 am