Is the mold in my bedroom making my kids sick?« Back to Previous Page

It is very likely the mold is contributing to your children's persistent respiratory symptoms. The runny nose and cough you describe are classic reactions to mold exposure, especially in children who are more sensitive. The constant AC use in Dubai creates a cycle of condensation and humidity if the unit isn't draining properly or the room isn't ventilated, providing the perfect damp environment for mold to thrive behind furniture.

For a situation like this—visible growth, a persistent damp feeling, and connected health symptoms—a professional inspection is strongly advised. In the UAE, remediation companies should follow international guidelines like the IICRC S520. The proper method is not just wiping it away, which can aerosolize spores, but to contain the area, physically remove the contaminated porous materials (like the drywall), and use HEPA filtration to clean the air. Simply painting over it or spraying bleach is ineffective and can be dangerous.

To prevent recurrence, identify the moisture source. It's often a small AC leak in the ductwork or drain pan, condensation from cold walls, or water ingress from a poorly sealed window. After remediation, use a dehumidifier, ensure furniture isn't pushed directly against walls, and have your AC unit serviced to confirm it is draining correctly and its drip pan is clean. A post-remediation verification test, conducted by a third-party assessor, is the only way to confirm the space has been returned to a normal fungal ecology.