Is hidden black mold causing my kids' sickness?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been having a runny nose and a weird cough for the past couple of weeks that just won't go away. I finally pulled out our large sofa in the living room to look for a lost toy and found a huge patch of black mold on the wall behind it, right where the AC vent is. We've lived in this Jumeirah Park villa for about three years and never had an issue before. Is this type of mold likely the cause of their symptoms, and what's the best way to get it properly cleaned without making us sick from the spores?
Posted by Ghada Al-Qasim
Asked on March 14, 2026 12:18 pm
Based on your description, it is highly probable that the hidden black mold growth behind your sofa is contributing to your children's persistent respiratory symptoms, specifically the runny nose and lingering cough. The location you've described is a classic hotspot for mold proliferation in Dubai. The constant cold air from the AC vent meeting the warmer room air creates significant condensation on the wall surface. Combined with the high ambient humidity and the fact that the sofa trapped moisture and limited airflow, this created the perfect microenvironment for mold to flourish unseen for an extended period.

The spores from these colonies become airborne and are inhaled, acting as irritants and allergens. Children are particularly susceptible to these effects, which can manifest as the exact symptoms you're observing. It is critical that you do not attempt to clean this yourself. Disturbing the colony without proper containment protocols will aerosolize a massive quantity of spores, drastically increasing the concentration in your indoor air and potentially making the health issues much worse for your entire family.

This situation requires professional mold remediation. In the UAE, reputable companies follow strict guidelines for assessment and removal. The process must begin with a certified inspection, including air and surface sampling, to identify the mold species and the full extent of the contamination. Remediation involves setting up physical containment barriers, using negative air pressure machines with HEPA filtration to prevent cross-contamination, and the safe removal and disposal of affected materials. The area is then treated with specialized antimicrobial agents and thoroughly dried to address the underlying moisture issue.

For a case like this in your Jumeirah Park villa, I strongly recommend you contact a professional service immediately. I advise calling Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or emailing hello@saniservice.com. Their certified team can conduct a comprehensive inspection and execute the necessary remediation to make your home safe again.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 16, 2026 1:01 pm