Is the mold in my child's room causing his sniffles?« Back to Previous Page

We’ve lived in our Jumeirah villa for 2 years and just noticed a bunch of black spots growing in the corner of our youngest’s bedroom, behind the wardrobe. The room always feels a bit damp, and ever since the heavy dew season started, his allergy-like sniffles have gotten much worse. Could this mold be making him sick and what’s the best way to handle it ourselves before calling a professional?
Posted by Kenji Phan
Asked on March 25, 2026 10:43 am
Based on your description, there is a very high probability that the mold growth behind the wardrobe is the primary cause of your child's worsening respiratory symptoms, particularly the persistent sniffles. The combination of visible black colonies and a persistent damp feeling in the room creates a perfect environment for mold spores to proliferate and become aerosolized. When inhaled, these spores and their mycotoxins are potent irritants and allergens, directly triggering inflammatory responses in the nasal passages, throat, and lungs.

The UAE's high humidity, especially during periods of heavy dew and the upcoming summer months, exacerbates this issue significantly. This localized dampness is likely due to a combination of factors common in villas here: possible thermal bridging in that corner causing condensation, or perhaps a minor, hidden plumbing leak from an adjacent bathroom. The wardrobe placed against the wall further restricts airflow, trapping moisture and creating the ideal micro-climate for mold.

Handling this yourself is not recommended. Disturbing the colony without proper containment, such as wiping it or moving the furniture, will release a massive cloud of spores throughout the room, potentially making the situation far worse for your son. Over-the-counter solutions are ineffective against the root cause and may only bleach the visible growth, leaving the harmful root structure (hyphae) intact.

For the health of your family and to properly identify the moisture source, a professional inspection is critical. We use thermal imaging cameras to pinpoint condensation issues and moisture meters to assess the wall's saturation level. This allows for a targeted remediation plan that solves the problem permanently, not just cosmetically. Please, do not delay. For immediate consultation and to schedule an inspection, call our team at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 26, 2026 10:13 pm