Black mold behind wardrobe, kids coughing. Urgent testing in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past two weeks and I just found patches of black, fuzzy mold behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom. We’re in an older building in Bur Dubai and I’m terrified it’s the cause, especially with my youngest having asthma. What’s the fastest way to get this professionally tested and cleaned here in Dubai?
Posted by Betty Hill
Asked on May 1, 2026 9:35 am
Black mold behind furniture in a Dubai bedroom is a serious concern, especially with children coughing and a history of asthma. The humid climate and constant AC use create ideal conditions for mold, as cold walls condense moisture behind large, stationary items like wardrobes. This is a common issue in older Bur Dubai buildings.

The fastest way to get it professionally tested is to engage a company with an in-house microbiology lab. They can perform an on-site assessment, take tape-lift or air samples, and provide a lab report identifying the species. This is crucial because "black mold" is a broad term; while some types like Stachybotrys are toxigenic, others are less so. The lab report will determine the actual risk level and guide the remediation protocol.

For cleaning, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Disturbing the colony can aerosolize spores, potentially worsening your children's symptoms. Professional remediation involves isolating the area with containment barriers, using HEPA filtration to capture spores, and safely removing the contaminated materials. They will also identify and rectify the source of the moisture, which is the only way to prevent recurrence.

Given the health symptoms, this is urgent. Look for a provider certified by a recognized body like the IICRC and who offers post-remediation verification testing to confirm the space is truly clean and safe.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 4, 2026 8:50 am