Could this mold be causing my kids' cough and headaches?« Back to Previous Page
|
My kids have been coughing non-stop and getting headaches for the past month, and I just found a bunch of black spots behind our bedroom wardrobe. We’re in an older building in Deira and the room always feels damp, even with the AC on. Could this mold be the reason they’re so sick, and what should I do first, just clean it myself or contact the landlord immediately?
|
|
Based on your description, yes, the mold is very likely the cause of your children's persistent cough and headaches. The black spots behind the wardrobe are a classic sign of a significant mold colony, and the chronic dampness you describe provides the perfect environment for it to thrive. The coughing is a direct reaction to inhaling mold spores and mycotoxins, while headaches can be caused by the body's inflammatory response to these contaminants.
In the UAE's humid climate, especially in older Deira buildings with potential AC drain line issues or seepage, this is a common but serious problem. Do not attempt to clean it yourself. Disturbing the colony without proper containment will aerosolize a massive amount of spores, drastically worsening the air quality and your family's exposure. Bleach or DIY solutions only remove surface discoloration and do not address the root moisture problem or the deeply penetrated hyphae. Your first step is to immediately contact your landlord or building management in writing. Under UAE rental law, the property owner is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the building and addressing issues like water seepage that lead to mold. However, for a health emergency like this involving children, I strongly recommend you also seek a professional assessment. We need to identify the exact moisture source (leaking pipe, AC condensate overflow, capillary seepage) and the species of mold to understand the health risks. Our certified inspectors use thermal imaging and borescopes to find hidden moisture and air sampling to identify spore types and counts. This report is also crucial evidence for your landlord. Please, for your kids' health, get a professional evaluation. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection. We can provide the documentation you need and a scope of work for effective, permanent remediation. |
Please log in to post questions/answers: