Found black mold in wardrobe; dangerous for my kids?« Back to Previous Page

Based on your description of fuzzy black spots and a damp wall, you are likely dealing with a mold colony. This is a common issue in older Jumeirah buildings due to the high humidity and condensation that can accumulate on cooler exterior walls, especially behind furniture that restricts airflow.

The term "black mold" is often associated with Stachybotrys, which can produce mycotoxins and is more concerning. However, many common black-colored molds like Cladosporium or Aspergillus are more frequent in this climate and primarily cause allergic reactions and respiratory irritation. Your children's persistent coughing and worsened allergies are consistent with exposure to these common household molds. The dampness from the wall is the moisture source feeding it.

For your family's health, the priority is to stop the exposure and address the moisture. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this can aerosolize spores and worsen the air quality. The first professional to call is a certified mold inspector. They will conduct a thorough assessment to identify the moisture source (like a hidden pipe leak or penetrating damp from humidity) and take air and surface samples for lab analysis to determine the species. This is crucial for understanding the risk level and planning the correct remediation strategy.

Only after a full inspection should you engage a remediation company. They will set up containment barriers, use HEPA filtration to clean the air, and safely remove the contaminated materials. Ensure any company you hire provides a detailed scope of work and can verify post-remediation results with lab testing to confirm the spore count in the air has returned to safe levels. For a situation involving children and a persistent moisture issue, a professional approach is strongly advised over DIY methods.