Could black mold in my Dubai home be making kids sick?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop and complaining of headaches for the past month, and I've just discovered a huge patch of black mold behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom. We live in an older building in Deira, and the AC unit in that room has been leaking a bit. Is this likely the cause of their sickness, and what’s the fastest way to get this professionally tested and cleaned in Dubai?
Posted by Shruti Iyer
Asked on April 4, 2026 8:55 pm
Yes, the black mold discovered behind your wardrobe is highly likely to be the cause of your children's persistent coughing and headaches. The symptoms you describe are classic indicators of exposure to mycotoxins and microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) released by mold colonies, particularly species like Stachybotrys chartarum (often referred to as "black mold") or Aspergillus.

The leaking AC unit is the primary catalyst. In Dubai's high-humidity climate, air conditioning systems that are not meticulously maintained create massive condensation issues. This moisture, combined with organic material like dust or cellulose from building materials, provides the perfect environment for rapid mold proliferation. The continuous operation of the AC then aerosolizes the spores and distributes them throughout the room's air, which your children are constantly inhaling.

For a case of this magnitude, a DIY approach is strongly discouraged. Disturbing the colony without proper containment and engineering controls will cause a massive release of spores, exacerbating the health risks and contaminating other areas of your home. The fastest and most reliable method is to engage a professional environmental inspection company.

They will conduct a comprehensive assessment, including air quality sampling and surface swabs, to identify the specific mold species and the full extent of the contamination. This data is crucial for designing an effective remediation protocol. The remediation process itself involves advanced techniques like negative air pressure containment, HEPA filtration, and the application of EPA-approved antimicrobial agents to not only remove the visible growth but also eliminate the root cause and ensure it does not return.

For immediate professional testing and remediation in Dubai, I recommend contacting Saniservice. They are experts in dealing with mold issues specific to the UAE's climate and building standards. You can reach them at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or via email at hello@saniservice.com to schedule an urgent inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 5, 2026 8:12 pm