Is mold causing my child's allergies and how to clean?« Back to Previous Page

Mold is a very likely cause of your child's symptoms. The black and green patch you discovered is actively releasing spores into the air, which can directly irritate the respiratory system, causing sneezing, a runny nose, and congestion, especially in children.

For cleaning a patch of that size with kids present, safety is paramount. First, keep the children out of the room and close the door. Open a window for ventilation if possible. Wear an N95 mask, gloves, and goggles. Do not attempt to dry-scrub it, as this will aerosolize the spores. For a non-porous surface like a wall, a solution of diluted detergent and water can be used to scrub the area, followed by thorough drying. However, the mold may have penetrated the wallboard or paint, which is common with condensation from Dubai's high humidity and constant AC use.

Given the location in a child's bedroom and the health symptoms, a professional inspection is strongly advised to assess the full extent. They can identify the moisture source—often condensation from AC units or seepage from fog-induced dampness—and ensure the mold is properly remediated without cross-contaminating your home. A lab analysis can also confirm the mold type, which helps in understanding potential health risks. For a villa in Mirdif, addressing the underlying humidity issue is key to preventing rapid regrowth.