Black mold and kids' cough: urgent professional needed?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing for the past few weeks and I’m starting to panic because I just found a bunch of black spots spreading behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom. The room has an outside wall and we had a small leak from the AC condensation pipe a while back that I thought was fixed. How urgent is this, and should I get a professional in immediately or can it wait a few days?
Posted by Malgorzata Fischer
Asked on March 31, 2026 6:39 am
Based on your description, this is an urgent situation that requires immediate professional attention. The combination of a confirmed past moisture event (the AC leak), the presence of black-colored microbial growth, and correlating health symptoms in children is a significant red flag.

The black spots spreading behind the wardrobe are highly likely to be a mold colony, potentially including species like Stachybotrys chartarum (often referred to as "black mold") or Aspergillus niger, which are known to produce mycotoxins and allergens. The persistent cough in your children is a classic symptom of exposure to these mold spores, which can cause respiratory irritation, allergic reactions, and exacerbate asthma. Children are particularly vulnerable due to their developing respiratory systems.

Attempting to clean this yourself is strongly discouraged. Disturbing the colony without proper containment protocols will aerosolize a massive amount of spores, contaminating your entire indoor air quality and significantly increasing your family's exposure. The Dubai climate, with its high humidity and year-round reliance on air conditioning, creates a perfect environment for mold to thrive if any moisture is present. Even a small, residual dampness from that past leak within the wall cavity is sufficient for prolific growth.

You need a certified mold inspection immediately. A professional company like Saniservice will conduct a thorough assessment, including moisture mapping and air quality testing, to determine the extent of the infestation hidden within the walls. They will then execute a remediation plan following IICRC standards, using engineering controls such as negative air pressure containment and HEPA filtration to safely remove the biohazard and restore a healthy indoor environment. Do not wait; this is a matter of your family's health.

For immediate assistance, please call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 2, 2026 12:48 pm