Should I see a doctor for cough and black mold?« Back to Previous Page

Our ground-floor apartment in Jumeirah was completely flooded during the storm last month. Even though the cleanup is done, I’ve had a persistent cough and headaches for the past week, and I just noticed a patch of black mould growing behind the wardrobe in my bedroom. Is this something I should get checked out by a doctor immediately, or can I treat the mould myself first?
Posted by Marco Kowalczyk
Asked on March 28, 2026 7:19 am
Yes, you absolutely should see a doctor for that persistent cough and headache, and you need to address that black mould immediately. The combination of symptoms and visible mould growth, especially post-flooding here in Dubai, is a significant health and safety concern.

Floodwater in our region often carries a high load of sewage, chemicals, and biological contaminants. Even after the visible water is gone, the moisture trapped within walls, under flooring, and behind furniture (like your wardrobe) creates the perfect environment for toxic mould species like Stachybotrys chartarum (black mould) to proliferate. Your symptoms—respiratory irritation and headaches—are classic indicators of exposure to mould mycotoxins and poor indoor air quality. A doctor can assess if this is a simple allergic response or a more serious toxicological or immunological reaction.

Do not attempt to treat this yourself. Disturbing the mould without proper containment and PPE will aerosolize the spores, drastically increasing your exposure and contaminating other areas of your apartment. This is not a surface cleaning issue; it requires professional remediation.

Under UAE regulations, especially in strata-managed buildings like yours in Jumeirah, this is a serious matter that should be reported to your building management. A certified indoor environmental professional must conduct a thorough inspection, including moisture mapping and air quality testing, to identify the full extent of the damage hidden within the building envelope.

Your health is the priority. Please see a doctor and then contact a professional remediation company to handle the mould safely and effectively. For immediate assistance, you can call 800-MOLDS or 800-66537 to schedule an inspection with our team.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 29, 2026 1:27 pm