Safest professional mold removal with kids present?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop and getting headaches for the past month, and I'm starting to panic. I finally pulled our large sofa away from the wall in our Deira apartment and found a huge patch of black mold spreading behind it, probably from a hidden AC leak. What is the absolute safest and most effective way to get this professionally removed, especially with young children in the house?
Posted by Robert Scott
Asked on May 11, 2026 7:25 am
For a situation with visible mold and health symptoms in children, professional remediation is strongly advised. The safest approach requires containment to prevent spores from spreading throughout your apartment during removal.

Reputable companies in Dubai should follow IICRC S520 guidelines, which mandate physical isolation of the work area with plastic sheeting and negative air pressure machines (air scrubbers with HEPA filters). This equipment actively captures microscopic spores released during the process, preventing them from circulating in your living space. The mold itself should be removed through controlled methods like HEPA vacuuming and damp wiping, not dry brushing or sanding. All contaminated materials, like severely affected drywall or insulation, must be sealed in bags for disposal.

Given the Dubai climate and constant AC use, the hidden leak must be identified and repaired by an HVAC technician first; otherwise, the mold will return. For health safety, ask the remediation company if they can provide post-clearance verification, such as air quality testing, to confirm spore counts have returned to normal levels. With young children present, discuss temporary relocation during the most disruptive phase of the work. A proper remediation plan focuses on making the environment safe, not just removing the visible stain.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 14, 2026 4:43 am