Found mold behind toy chest. Is it making kids sick?« Back to Previous Page

Based on your description, it is highly probable that the mold growth behind the toy chest is contributing to your children's persistent coughing. The dark, fuzzy appearance is characteristic of several types of mold, including potentially toxigenic species like Stachybotrys chartarum (often referred to as "black mold"), which are known to produce mycotoxins and microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) that can cause significant respiratory irritation, especially in children.

In Dubai's climate, this scenario is common. The high humidity, particularly during summer months, combined with condensation from year-round AC use, creates a perfect microenvironment for mold when air circulation is blocked by furniture placed against a wall. The porous nature of wood in the toy chest acts as an excellent food source for the mold.

The fastest and safest protocol is to engage a professional environmental inspector immediately. Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as disturbing the colony will aerosolize a high concentration of spores and potential toxins throughout your apartment, exacerbating the health risks. A certified professional will conduct a controlled inspection, including air quality and surface sampling, to accurately identify the species and concentration levels. This is critical for determining the appropriate remediation strategy, which must comply with UAE health and safety standards.

For a situation involving child health and significant visible growth, I strongly recommend you call for immediate professional assessment. Contact our team at Saniservice on 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We can dispatch a certified inspector to your Deira apartment to perform the necessary testing and formulate a containment and remediation plan to resolve the issue safely and effectively.