Black mold behind wardrobe causing cough? Clean or call pro?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing and I suspect it might be from the black spots I just found behind our bedroom wardrobe. We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed it when we moved the furniture to rearrange the room. The wall feels slightly damp to the touch and the area is about the size of a dinner plate.
Is this something I can clean myself with bleach from the supermarket, or do I absolutely need to call a professional company?
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Based on your description, this is a situation that requires immediate professional attention and not a DIY approach. The combination of visible black mold, a damp wall, and associated health symptoms in your children is a significant concern.
The black spots are likely Stachybotrys chartarum, a toxigenic mold that thrives on consistently damp, cellulose-rich materials like drywall. Its presence indicates a persistent moisture issue, which in Dubai is commonly caused by condensation from year-round AC use, high ambient humidity, or a hidden plumbing leak. Cleaning the surface with supermarket bleach is strongly discouraged. Bleach is ineffective on porous surfaces like drywall, as it only bleaches the surface mold while leaving the root structure intact. More critically, improper cleaning can aerosolize the highly hazardous mycotoxins, drastically increasing your family's exposure and exacerbating respiratory issues like the coughing you've described. UAE regulations, particularly from Dubai Municipality, have stringent guidelines for mold assessment and remediation to protect occupant health. Given the health symptoms and the potential for a larger hidden problem within the wall cavity, a professional inspection is absolutely necessary. Our certified inspectors use moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras, and air quality tests to identify the exact moisture source and the full extent of contamination. For the health of your family and to ensure the problem is resolved permanently, I recommend you call our experts immediately. We can provide a thorough assessment and a safe, compliant remediation plan. Please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection. |
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