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

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the last couple of weeks and I’m starting to panic. I just pulled our sofa away from the wall in our villa in Al Barsha and found a huge patch of black, fuzzy mold spreading from the corner, probably from the humidity. It smells really damp and earthy. Could this be the cause of their respiratory issues and what’s the safest way to handle it without making them sicker?
Posted by Kayla Wilson
Asked on March 28, 2026 11:40 am
Based on your description, it is highly probable that the black mold you discovered is a significant contributor to your children's persistent coughing. The fuzzy, black growth and the characteristic damp, earthy odor are classic indicators of a active fungal colony, potentially including species like Stachybotrys chartarum (often referred to as "black mold"), which is known for producing mycotoxins and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are respiratory irritants. In the humid climate of Dubai, especially in areas like Al Barsha where high outdoor humidity meets year-round AC use, condensation forms on cooler interior walls, creating the perfect breeding ground for mold.

Handling this yourself is not advised. Disturbing the colony without proper containment protocols will aerosolize millions of spores and mycotoxins, drastically increasing the airborne concentration and potentially making your family's respiratory issues much worse. DIY cleaning with bleach is ineffective on porous materials like drywall and can exacerbate the problem.

The safest course of action is to immediately engage a professional mold inspection and remediation company. In the UAE, reputable firms like Saniservice follow strict guidelines for assessment, containment, removal, and post-remediation verification to ensure the problem is solved safely and completely. They will conduct air and surface sampling to identify the species and spore count, which is crucial for understanding the health risk. For immediate consultation and to arrange a professional inspection, I strongly recommend you call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Their certified experts can properly assess the extent of the contamination and execute a safe remediation plan.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 30, 2026 5:31 pm