How to safely remove black mold and check kids?« Back to Previous Page

First, get the kids evaluated by a doctor and inform them about the mold exposure. Persistent coughing and headaches are common reactions to mycotoxins and mold spores, and a medical professional can assess if any treatment is needed.

For the mold itself, safety is the priority. Do not attempt removal yourself if the patch is larger than one square meter, as per common international guidelines adapted for the UAE. The hidden nature behind the bed and its association with an AC leak suggests it may be extensive. In Dubai's climate, where high humidity and constant AC use can spread spores throughout the home, improper DIY removal can make the contamination much worse.

If the area is small and you proceed, isolate the room. Seal the door with plastic sheeting and turn off the AC to prevent spore circulation. Wear an N95 mask, goggles, and gloves. Scrub the affected wall with a detergent solution, not bleach, as bleach does not kill mold on porous surfaces like drywall. However, if the mold has penetrated the wallboard, which is likely, the material must be cut out and replaced to truly solve the problem.

The AC leak must be professionally repaired first; otherwise, the mold will return quickly due to the humidity. Given the symptoms and the size you describe, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. They can use moisture meters to find the full extent of the water damage and conduct air testing to see if spores have spread to your ducts, which is a common issue here. A company with its own microbiology lab can identify the species, which helps assess the health risk and confirms the remediation was effective.