Found black mold behind wardrobe, is it safe to remove myself?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been having a constant cough and runny noses for the last month, and I'm starting to panic. I pulled our large wardrobe away from the wall in the master bedroom of our Jumeirah villa and found a huge patch of black mold spreading behind it, probably from the humidity. The wall actually feels damp to the touch. What is the safest and most effective way to handle this myself, or should I just call a professional company right away?
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Given the damp wall and the health symptoms you've described, this is a situation that requires professional remediation, not a DIY approach. Attempting to remove a significant growth yourself, especially black mould, can aerosolise a high concentration of spores throughout your home, potentially worsening your family's respiratory issues.
The dampness indicates an ongoing moisture issue, which is the root cause. In Dubai's climate, this is often due to a combination of high external humidity and cold spots on walls created by constant AC, leading to condensation. Simply cleaning the visible mould without identifying and rectifying the source will result in it returning quickly. For a situation of this scale with health impacts, a professional inspection is strongly advised. A certified inspector will use moisture meters to find the full extent of the dampness, identify the species of mould through lab analysis to understand the risk level, and pinpoint the exact moisture source. Proper remediation involves containing the area with negative air pressure, using HEPA filtration to capture spores, and safely removing contaminated materials. Until a professional can assess, keep the area isolated. Avoid disturbing the mould and ensure the room is well-ventilated. Running a dehumidifier in the adjacent space can help, but will not solve the wall's internal moisture problem. The priority is to stop the source, which is likely a hidden leak or severe thermal bridging. |
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