Is this Dubai apartment mold causing our cough?« Back to Previous Page

That specific description – a black, fuzzy patch in a closet corner, coupled with a persistent dry cough after a sandstorm – strongly suggests a connection. The sandstorm likely introduced new spores, and the high Dubai humidity (often 80-90%) provides the perfect environment for them to grow in poorly ventilated spaces like closets. The cough is a common reaction to mould exposure.

The term "black mould" is often associated with Stachybotrys, which can produce mycotoxins, but not all black-coloured mould is this type. Many common black moulds like Cladosporium or Aspergillus niger are irritants but less severe. Only a lab culture can confirm the species and actual risk level.

In Dubai, the fastest professional testing involves a certified inspector taking an air or surface sample from the affected area and a control sample from outside or a clean room. This is sent to an accredited microbiology lab (like ours) for analysis. The Dubai Municipality has guidelines for indoor air quality, and a proper test will provide documented, verifiable results against these standards. Avoid any service that offers to test and remediate without providing independent, third-party lab reports.

Given the symptoms and visible growth, do not attempt to clean it yourself, as this can aerosolize the spores. The immediate step is to keep the closet door closed, reduce humidity in the bedroom by running the AC continuously for a few days, and arrange for a professional inspection. The remediation process will involve identifying and correcting the moisture source (likely condensation from the AC or a small leak) before safely removing the contaminated materials.