Black mold in closet causing child's illness; professional test?« Back to Previous Page

We’ve lived here for 2 years and just noticed some black speckles in the corner of our master bedroom closet, which is on an interior wall. My youngest has been having a runny nose and a cough for the last couple of weeks that won't go away, and I'm starting to get really worried it's connected. What's the best way to handle this properly and safely for my family? Should I call a professional company for testing or is it something I can clean myself first?
Posted by Michael Torres
Asked on April 24, 2026 11:25 am
The black speckles in your closet and your child's persistent symptoms are likely connected, especially given Dubai's high humidity and the condensation that builds up on interior walls. This is a common scenario here.

Do not attempt to clean this yourself. Disturbing the mold can release a large number of spores into your home's air, potentially worsening the situation. Your first step is to have a professional inspection. A certified inspector will identify the moisture source—often a small plumbing leak, condensation from the AC line, or humidity trapped in the enclosed space—and assess the extent of the growth, which can be hidden inside the wall.

For a case involving a child's health, a lab test is highly recommended to identify the specific mold species. This provides clarity on potential health risks and is crucial for guiding the proper remediation protocol. The remediation process itself involves containing the area, safely removing contaminated materials, HEPA vacuuming, and addressing the underlying moisture issue to prevent recurrence. In the interim, keep the closet door closed and try to maintain indoor humidity below 60% with dehumidifiers or your AC. A professional assessment will give you a clear, science-based path to resolving this safely for your family.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 25, 2026 6:46 pm