Found black mold causing cough, what immediate steps?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past month and I'm starting to panic. I finally pulled our sofa away from the wall in our Deira apartment and found a huge patch of black mold hidden behind it, right where they always sit. I'm worried their cough is because of this. What are the immediate steps I should take to clean this and protect my family's health?
Posted by Tariq Al-Sabah
Asked on May 21, 2026 5:22 pm
Stop the exposure immediately. Move the sofa and keep your children away from the affected area. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as disturbing it will release a large number of spores into your apartment's air, which can worsen respiratory symptoms.

The persistent cough is a significant indicator of a reaction to mold exposure, which is common in Dubai's humid climate where condensation and AC use can create hidden damp spots. For a patch larger than one square meter, Dubai Municipality guidelines recommend assessment and remediation by a certified professional to ensure it is handled safely and completely. They will contain the area, use HEPA filtration to capture spores during removal, and identify the moisture source to prevent regrowth.

Until a professional can inspect, improve ventilation in the room by running an exhaust fan and a dehumidifier if you have one. A certified mold inspector can conduct air and surface sampling to identify the species, which determines the health risk and necessary remediation protocol. This lab analysis is critical for peace of mind when health symptoms are involved.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 23, 2026 12:11 pm