Is mold causing our symptoms and who to call?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment seems to be blowing out a damp, earthy smell, especially in the master bedroom. My husband and I have both had constant stuffy noses and itchy throats for the last month, and it's getting worse. When I pulled the wardrobe away from the wall yesterday, I found a patch of black and green fuzzy stuff spreading behind it. **Is this kind of mold definitely the cause of our symptoms, and who should I call first to get it properly inspected and removed?**
Posted by William Wright
Asked on April 25, 2026 1:45 pm
The damp, earthy smell from your AC and the visible mold growth behind your wardrobe are very strong indicators that mold is the cause of your persistent respiratory symptoms. The constant stuffy noses and itchy throats you both are experiencing are classic reactions to mold spore exposure, especially in a confined space like a bedroom.

Given the visible growth and your symptoms, you should first call a professional mold inspection and testing company. In Dubai's climate, where high humidity and constant AC use create ideal conditions for mold, a proper diagnosis is essential. A reputable inspector will use tools like moisture meters and thermal cameras to find the moisture source and will take air and surface samples for lab analysis to identify the specific mold types present. This evidence-based approach is critical, as some species require more aggressive remediation protocols.

Do not call a removal company first. An independent inspector provides an unbiased assessment and a detailed remediation plan. A company that both tests and remediates can have a conflict of interest. For a case this advanced, you need a verified scope of work. Look for a provider with a certified indoor environmentalist or similar credential and their own microbiology lab, as this ensures the analysis isn't outsourced and the results are trustworthy. Once you have the lab report and a plan, you can then engage a qualified remediation team to execute the removal safely, ensuring the root moisture issue is resolved to prevent recurrence.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 28, 2026 2:02 am