Black mold in Dubai apartment making kids sick?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop since we got back from the summer holidays, and I’ve just found patches of black mold behind their bedroom wardrobe, which is on the wall facing the building's exterior. I’m really worried this is what’s making them sick. What’s the best way to get this properly cleaned and treated here in Dubai, and should I involve my building management first?
Posted by Julia Perez
Asked on April 9, 2026 5:50 pm
Black mold exposure can definitely cause persistent coughing and respiratory irritation in children, who are more vulnerable. The location behind the wardrobe on an exterior wall is a classic sign of condensation buildup, a common issue in Dubai due to the high humidity and constant air conditioning creating temperature differentials.

You should involve your building management immediately. Under Dubai Municipality regulations, they are typically responsible for the building's structural integrity and addressing moisture seepage through external walls, which is likely the root cause here. Document the mold with photos and send a formal written notification requesting an inspection and repair of the moisture source.

For cleaning, do not attempt to remove it yourself with bleach, as this can aerosolize spores and worsen the air quality. A professional mold remediation service is needed. They will contain the area, use HEPA filtration to remove spores from the air, and safely remove the contaminated materials. The critical step is identifying and stopping the moisture source first; otherwise, the mold will simply return.

After remediation, consider a professional indoor air quality test from a company with its own microbiology lab to confirm the spore count has returned to a safe level and that the specific mold type has been addressed. This provides documented proof that the environment is healthy for your children again.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 11, 2026 3:28 am