Is black mold urgent for asthmatic child in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's from the black spots I just found behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom. We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed it, but it's been really humid lately. I'm worried because my youngest has asthma. How urgent is it to get this professionally treated here in Dubai, and should we be staying somewhere else until it's fixed?
Posted by Pooja Banerjee
Asked on April 30, 2026 7:01 am
Yes, this is an urgent situation requiring immediate professional assessment. For an asthmatic child, exposure to any mold, especially in Dubai's high humidity, can significantly worsen respiratory symptoms like coughing and trigger attacks. The black spots behind the wardrobe indicate a hidden moisture issue, likely from condensation against an exterior wall or a past, unnoticed leak that the current humidity is exacerbating.

You should arrange for a professional mold inspection that includes air and surface sampling. This is critical to identify the specific mold type and its concentration in the air your family is breathing. Only a certified lab analysis can confirm if it is Stachybotrys (true "black mold") or another species, which dictates the remediation protocol. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as disturbing it will release a high number of spores into the bedroom air.

Until the inspection, it is prudent to relocate your children, especially your youngest, to another well-ventilated room in the home if possible. Keep the bedroom door closed and the AC running to help control humidity and prevent spore migration. The urgency for remediation depends on the inspector's findings, but any confirmed growth in a child's sleeping area, particularly with asthma present, warrants prompt action. The Dubai climate means that without fixing the underlying moisture source—often poor insulation or AC condensation drain issues—the mold will return quickly even after cleaning.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 2, 2026 3:29 pm