Urgent: Mold in kids' bedroom making them sick?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop since we got back from the summer holidays, and I’m starting to panic. I’ve just noticed a bunch of black spots spreading along the corner of their bedroom wall near the window, and the room has a really damp, earthy smell. We’re in an older building in Bur Dubai and I’m worried it’s making them sick. Can anyone recommend a reliable mold inspection company that can test for toxic mold and tell me how serious this is?
Posted by Elizabeth Thompson
Asked on April 29, 2026 1:40 pm
The black spots and damp smell in your child's bedroom are strong indicators of active mold growth, likely exacerbated by Bur Dubai's high humidity and condensation from your AC unit. This environment is common in older buildings here and can definitely cause the respiratory irritation and persistent coughing you're describing.

For a case involving children's health and visible spread, a professional inspection is strongly advised. A reliable inspector will do more than a visual check; they should use a moisture meter to find the water source and may recommend air or surface sampling. This is crucial, as the type of mold (e.g., Cladosporium, Aspergillus) dictates the health risk and necessary remediation steps. In Dubai, look for a provider that uses a local microbiology lab for culture analysis, as this gives a definitive species identification and spore count, not just a positive/negative result.

Until the inspection, improve ventilation by running an exhaust fan if available and opening windows when outdoor humidity is lower (typically early morning or evening). Wipe down visible condensation on windows and AC vents daily. Keep the children out of the room as much as possible.

Any reputable company should provide a detailed report with the lab findings and a clear scope of work for remediation, not just a recommendation for expensive cleaning. The initial diagnostic phase is key to understanding how serious this is and what specific steps are needed to make the room safe again.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 2, 2026 8:07 am