Found black mold behind wardrobe; first safety step?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing for the past couple of weeks and I just found what looks like black fuzzy patches behind their bedroom wardrobe, which is on an outside wall in our villa in Jumeirah. I'm terrified it's the mold I've read about, especially with the high humidity we've had. What's the first thing I should do to keep my family safe while I get this sorted?
Posted by Matthew Miller
Asked on March 11, 2026 7:14 pm
The first and most critical step is to isolate the area immediately to prevent the spread of airborne spores, which are the primary health concern, especially for children with respiratory symptoms like coughing. Do not attempt to clean or disturb the mold yourself.

Restrict access to the bedroom and, if possible, close the door, sealing the bottom with a damp towel. The high humidity we are experiencing in Dubai acts as an incubator for mold, particularly on outside walls where temperature differentials between the air-conditioned interior and the hot exterior cause significant condensation—a perfect breeding ground. The "black fuzzy" description is a major red flag that warrants professional assessment.

Your next step must be to contact a certified mold inspection company. In the UAE, proper remediation is governed by strict standards like the DM Guidelines and DSOA CoP 4.0 to ensure contaminants are handled safely and effectively. Amateur attempts often aerosolize the spores, worsening the contamination throughout your villa.

For a situation involving child health and visible growth, I strongly recommend a professional inspection. Our team at Saniservice can conduct a comprehensive assessment, including moisture mapping and air quality testing, to determine the spore count and species. This is crucial for formulating a safe remediation plan. Please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an urgent inspection. In the interim, ensure the room is well-ventilated only if it can be done without cross-contaminating other areas.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 14, 2026 10:04 am