Is Dubai mold causing our sickness and how to clean?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, the black mold behind your sofa is very likely the cause of your family's persistent coughing and headaches. In Dubai's humid climate, this is a common issue, especially when furniture is placed against exterior walls where condensation from AC units can accumulate unseen. The constant AC use creates a cycle of moisture that mold thrives on.

For a patch of significant size, especially with health symptoms present, professional remediation is the safest approach. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this can aerosolize the spores and worsen the air quality, potentially making your family's symptoms more severe. The goal is to contain the area, remove the contaminated materials safely, and address the underlying moisture source.

In Dubai, reputable remediation companies follow international guidelines like the IICRC S520. They will set up containment barriers, use HEPA filtration devices to scrub the air, and safely remove the affected wall section. Crucially, they will also identify and rectify the moisture source—often a poorly insulated exterior wall or a condensate drain issue from the AC unit.

After remediation, a third-party, independent post-clearance test is recommended to verify the spore count in the air has returned to normal levels. This provides documented proof the environment is safe. For your health, a consultation with a doctor is also advised to discuss the symptoms.