Could this hidden mold be making my kids sick?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been having a runny nose and a nagging cough for the last month, and I can't figure out why. I finally pulled out the sofa bed in our living room and found a huge patch of black mold on the wall behind it, which must have been growing there for ages. We live in an older building in Deira and the room always feels a bit damp. Could this mold be the reason they're so sick, and what's the best way to get it properly cleaned here in Dubai?
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Yes, the mold you found is very likely contributing to your children's persistent runny nose and cough. This is a common reaction to inhaling mold spores, which are a known respiratory irritant. The constant dampness in your Deira building, combined with the wall being blocked by the sofa bed, created the perfect environment for it to thrive.
For a hidden patch of that size, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. In Dubai's humid climate, the visible growth is often just the tip of the iceberg; the mold can spread inside wall cavities. A proper assessment will identify the moisture source—often condensation from AC units or a small leak—and the full extent of the contamination. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this can aerosolize the spores and worsen the problem. The Dubai Municipality has guidelines for mold remediation, and reputable companies follow protocols to contain the area, remove contaminated materials safely, and use HEPA filtration to clean the air. After remediation, addressing the underlying moisture is critical to prevent recurrence. This may involve improving room ventilation, using a dehumidifier, or having your AC system serviced to ensure it is effectively removing humidity from the air. For your children's health, it's best to keep them out of the room until the issue is fully resolved by a professional. |
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