Is black mold making my child sick?« Back to Previous Page
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The AC in our Deira apartment has been leaking a bit for a while, but I just pulled back the corner of the bedroom carpet and found a patch of black mold underneath, about the size of a dinner plate. My youngest son has had a runny nose and a nagging cough for over a week now that just won't clear up. How urgent is it that we get this professionally cleaned, and should I be taking him to a doctor immediately?
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The black mold you found is very likely contributing to your son's persistent respiratory symptoms. In Dubai's climate, where high humidity and constant AC use create ideal conditions for mold growth, this is a common but serious issue. The damp carpet from the AC leak provides the perfect food source for mold, and the spores become airborne, irritating the lungs and sinuses.
It is strongly recommended you take your son to a doctor and inform them about the mold exposure. Persistent coughs and runny noses in children are frequently linked to indoor mold. For his health, you should consider this an urgent situation that requires both medical and environmental action. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as disturbing the mold can release a large number of spores and potentially make the situation worse. The standard for professional remediation, following guidelines like the IICRC S520, involves containing the area, safely removing the contaminated materials (like the carpet and underlay), and using HEPA filtration to clean the air. The underlying cause—the AC leak—must also be repaired to prevent it from returning. A proper inspection can determine the full extent of the growth, which is often larger than what is initially visible. |
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