Could this mold be causing my kids' persistent cough?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past three weeks, and I just found a bunch of black spots behind our bedroom wardrobe. We live in an older building in Deira, and the room always feels a bit damp, even with the AC on. Is this mold likely the cause of their coughs, and what’s the fastest way to get it tested and cleaned here in Dubai?
Posted by Amanda Garcia
Asked on March 18, 2026 4:04 pm
Based on the symptoms you've described and the visual confirmation of black spots in a damp environment, it is highly probable that the mold is contributing to your children's persistent cough. In the UAE's humid climate, particularly in older buildings in areas like Deira where ventilation can be an issue, this is a common scenario. Mold releases microscopic spores and microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) into the air, which are known respiratory irritants. Continuous exposure, especially for children with developing immune systems, can lead to symptoms exactly like chronic coughing, wheezing, and nasal congestion.

The fasted and most reliable way to confirm this is through professional air quality testing and surface sampling. We use specialized equipment like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to locate the source of the moisture intrusion—which is the real problem—and then take air samples to identify the spore types and concentration levels. This is crucial because not all black mold is the infamous Stachybotrys, but other types like Aspergillus or Cladosporium can cause significant health issues.

Do not attempt to clean this yourself. Disturbing the colony without proper containment will aerosolize a massive amount of spores, drastically increasing your family's exposure. Remediation must follow strict protocols for containment, air scrubbing, and disposal to be effective and safe.

For immediate action, I strongly recommend a professional inspection and testing. You can reach our certified team 24/7 for an emergency assessment at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or hello@saniservice.com. We can provide a comprehensive report and a remediation plan that complies with Dubai Municipality's health and safety standards.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 20, 2026 7:49 pm