Should we urgently inspect closet mold causing allergies?« Back to Previous Page

For the past couple of months, we've noticed a strange, damp smell coming from our walk-in closet in our villa in Mirdif. My husband has been waking up with a stuffy nose and itchy eyes, which seems to get better when he's at the office. I just pulled out a few winter jackets from the back and found small black spots on the wall behind them. How quickly should we get a professional mold inspection, and can this actually be the cause of his allergies?
Posted by Mariam Al-Hashim
Asked on March 24, 2026 10:50 pm
Based on your description, you should schedule a professional mold inspection immediately. The combination of a persistent damp smell, visible black microbial growth on the wall, and the correlation of your husband's allergic symptoms (stuffy nose, itchy eyes) with time spent in the villa is a strong indicator of a mold issue. This is a serious case that warrants urgent attention.

The environment you described is a classic breeding ground for mold in the Dubai climate. Walk-in closets, especially those with exterior walls, are prone to condensation due to the extreme humidity and the constant cycling of air conditioning. Storing items like winter jackets against the wall inhibits air circulation, creating a micro-climate where condensation accumulates and mold thrives on the organic material in the drywall and dust.

The health implications are significant. Exposure to mold spores and microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) is a well-documented cause of the type of allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis your husband is experiencing. Prolonged exposure can lead to more severe respiratory issues.

Do not attempt to disturb the area yourself, as this will aerosolize the spores and exacerbate the problem. A certified professional inspection is crucial. It involves a visual assessment, moisture mapping with tools like thermal imaging cameras and hygrometers to find the moisture source, and air/surface sampling to identify the mold species and spore concentration levels. This data is essential for developing an effective remediation protocol that complies with Dubai Municipality's health and safety standards.

For a comprehensive inspection and solution, I strongly recommend you contact Saniservice. Their certified team can diagnose the root cause and provide a compliant remediation plan. Call them at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an assessment.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 26, 2026 5:51 am