Found black mold in kids' room, what's first step?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing for a couple of weeks and I just found what looks like black mold behind the dresser in their bedroom in our Mirdif villa. I’m panicking because it’s been so humid lately and my youngest already has allergies. What’s the first step I should take for a proper mold inspection to make sure the air is safe for them?
Posted by Emily Scott
Asked on March 15, 2026 11:52 am
Given the presence of visible black mold and the associated health symptoms in your children, your first step is to isolate the area immediately. Do not attempt to clean or disturb the growth, as this can aerosolize spores and significantly worsen the indoor air quality. Move the dresser away from the wall and, if possible, close off the room from the rest of the villa to prevent cross-contamination.

The high humidity and constant air conditioning in Dubai create a perfect environment for mold, particularly on cold surfaces where condensation forms, like exterior walls behind furniture. Your villa in Mirdif is susceptible to these conditions. A proper mold inspection is not just a visual check; it requires specialized equipment. A certified professional will conduct a comprehensive assessment that includes moisture mapping with thermal imaging cameras to find the water source, hygrometer readings to measure humidity levels, and air and surface sampling for laboratory analysis to identify the specific species of mold and spore concentration in the air your children are breathing. This is critical, as some species, like Stachybotrys (black mold), are toxigenic and require specific remediation protocols.

Given your child's pre-existing allergies and the respiratory symptoms, a DIY approach is strongly discouraged. Professional inspection is mandated for serious cases to ensure the safety of occupants and the property. The inspection report will provide a clear remediation plan in line with UAE environmental health and safety guidelines.

For an immediate and professional inspection to ensure your air is safe, I recommend contacting Saniservice. They are experts in mold diagnostics for UAE conditions. You can call them at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a survey.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 18, 2026 10:17 am