Found mold behind wardrobe causing coughs. Waht to do?« Back to Previous Page

Stop using the affected room and keep children away until it's assessed. The humidity and constant AC use in Dubai creates ideal conditions for mold behind furniture where air doesn't circulate, leading to exactly the respiratory symptoms you describe.

Do not attempt to remove it yourself. Disturbing the patch releases spores into the air, potentially worsening the problem. Your priority is professional identification. A proper inspection involves more than just looking at the visible patch; it checks for moisture sources and hidden growth within walls. A certified inspector will take samples for a microbiology lab to identify the exact species. This is critical, as "black mold" is often used for less toxic types, but only a lab culture can confirm if it's the more concerning Stachybotrys and determine the appropriate remediation protocol.

For removal, look for a company that follows IICRC S520 standards, the international guideline for mold remediation. The process should include containment of the area with negative air pressure, HEPA-filtered air scrubbers, safe removal of contaminated materials, and a final clearance test to confirm spore counts are back to normal indoor levels. In Dubai, the DM and DHA have guidelines for indoor air quality that reputable companies adhere to.

The fastest way is to contact a provider with in-house lab capabilities to streamline the testing-to-remediation process. Request a full assessment and a scope of work detailing the containment and verification methods they will use.