Found mold in Sharjah apartment, what are immediate steps?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past two weeks and their allergies are going crazy. I finally pulled their bed away from the wall in our Sharjah apartment and found a huge patch of black mold hidden behind it, probably from the humidity. I'm terrified about what this means for their health. What are the immediate steps I should take to protect them and who should I call for proper mold remediation?
Posted by Sara Nasser
Asked on May 7, 2026 9:20 pm
First, isolate the area to prevent spore dispersal. Keep the children out of the room and close the door. If the patch is larger than one square meter, do not attempt to clean it yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize a massive amount of spores.

For a large hidden patch like this, a professional inspection is strongly recommended to assess the extent within the wall cavity. In the UAE, remediation companies should follow international guidelines like the IICRC S520 standard. Look for a provider that conducts a preliminary moisture assessment and provides a scope of work with post-remediation verification (clearance testing) to confirm the area is truly safe—this is the critical step that separates proper remediation from a simple clean-up.

Given the Sharjah climate and year-round AC use, the root cause is almost certainly condensation or a hidden water leak from plumbing or the AC unit itself. A proper remediation process will include identifying and correcting this moisture source; without that, the mold will return quickly.

For your children's immediate health, consult a pediatrician and inform them of the mold exposure. Continuous coughing and exacerbated allergies are common reactions to the mycotoxins and spores released by many types of household mold, particularly in enclosed spaces like bedrooms. While you arrange for professional assessment, an air purifier with a HEPA filter in their living space can help reduce airborne spore concentrations.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 8, 2026 7:43 am