Black mold in kids' room: urgent to clean and see doctor?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing for the past couple of weeks and I’m starting to panic because I’ve just found patches of black mold in the corner of their bedroom closet, behind some boxes. Our building in Jumeirah is quite old and I know the humidity has been terrible lately. How urgent is it that we get this professionally cleaned, and should I take them to a doctor immediately?
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Visible black mold in a child's bedroom, combined with a persistent cough, warrants immediate action. The high humidity in Dubai creates ideal conditions for mold growth, especially in older buildings where condensation can accumulate behind furniture and in closets.
You should consult a pediatrician to discuss the children's symptoms. Bring photos of the mold. A doctor can determine if the cough is allergy-related or requires further treatment. For the mold, this is considered a serious case due to the confirmed growth and occupant sensitivity. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as disturbing it can release a high concentration of spores into the air. The urgency for professional remediation is high. A proper inspection will identify the moisture source (likely condensation or a hidden leak) and the mold's extent. Remediation involves containment, HEPA-filtered air scrubbing, and safe removal of contaminated materials, not just surface cleaning. After remediation, a post-test by a third-party lab is the only way to verify the spore count has returned to a safe, background level. To manage humidity long-term, ensure your AC is serviced regularly and consider using a dehumidifier, especially during the more humid months. |
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