Mold in bedroom: health risks for kids and doctor visit?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived in our villa in Mirdif for about 5 years, but ever since the heavy rains in January, the carpet in our youngest son's ground-floor bedroom has felt slightly damp. Now we've found black spots along the baseboards behind his bed, and both kids have had a runny nose and a nagging cough for over two weeks that just won't go away. What specific health risks should I be most concerned about for them, and should I take them to a doctor for a test or just focus on getting the mold cleaned up first?
Posted by Ghada Al-Hamdi
Asked on March 20, 2026 4:58 am
Based on your description, the persistent cough and runny nose in your children are highly indicative of exposure to mold, specifically the black spots you've discovered. In Dubai's climate, the combination of recent heavy rain, ground-floor humidity, and year-round AC use creates a perfect environment for mold growth, particularly in carpets and behind furniture where condensation and dampness are trapped.

The primary health risks for children are respiratory. Mold spores are potent allergens and irritants. The most common reactions are allergic rhinitis (the persistent runny nose) and asthma-like symptoms, such as that nagging cough. For children with developing respiratory systems, prolonged exposure can lead to more sensitive airways and chronic issues. The specific type of mold (e.g., Stachybotrys, the "black mold" often referenced) can produce mycotoxins, but the main concern in a case like this is the high concentration of spores causing significant allergic and inflammatory responses.

You should absolutely take your children to a pediatrician. Inform the doctor about the suspected mold exposure in their bedroom. The doctor can assess their symptoms and determine if any specific tests or treatments are needed. However, a doctor can only treat the symptoms; the root cause must be eliminated.

Do not attempt to clean this yourself. Disturbing the mold without proper containment will aerosolize a massive amount of spores, significantly increasing their exposure and spreading the contamination. This situation requires professional assessment and remediation.

We strongly recommend you call for a professional inspection immediately. Our certified experts at Saniservice can conduct a thorough assessment, identify the moisture source, and provide a protocol for safe, effective remediation in line with Dubai Municipality's health and safety standards. Please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection and protect your family's health.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 23, 2026 1:04 am