Could black mold behind sofa be causing our sickness?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past two weeks and I’ve been getting terrible headaches. I finally pulled our sofa away from the wall in our Deira apartment and found a huge patch of black mold growing behind it, probably from the humidity. Could this be what’s making us sick, and what’s the fastest way to deal with it properly?
Posted by Joseph Brown
Asked on May 1, 2026 12:05 am
Yes, the black mold behind your sofa is very likely causing those symptoms. In Dubai's high humidity, hidden mold growth is common and produces allergens and irritants that cause persistent coughing, headaches, and congestion, especially in children.

The fastest and safest way to handle a significant patch is to call a professional mold inspection and remediation service. They will contain the area to prevent spores from spreading, safely remove the contaminated materials, and use HEPA filtration to clean the air. For a proper fix, they should also identify and address the source of the moisture—often condensation from an AC unit, a small leak, or poor ventilation exacerbated by having furniture flush against the wall.

Until help arrives, increase ventilation in the room by opening windows if the outdoor humidity is lower and running exhaust fans. Do not attempt to scrub the mold yourself with bleach, as this can aerosolize the spores and worsen the problem. Keep children and family members out of the affected room. A reputable company will provide before-and-after lab testing to verify the mold and its toxins have been properly removed and the indoor air quality is safe.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 3, 2026 10:49 am