Found black mold causing sickness; doctor and cleaning urgency?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, you should take your family to a doctor and arrange for professional cleaning. The symptoms you describe—persistent coughing and headaches—are common reactions to prolonged mold exposure, particularly in a confined space. A doctor can assess your family and confirm if the symptoms are allergy or irritation-related.

For the cleaning urgency, this requires immediate attention. The large patch behind the sofa bed indicates a significant moisture issue, likely from condensation against the cold exterior wall, a very common problem in Deira's humid climate where AC runs constantly. Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as disturbing it will release a massive amount of spores into your apartment's air.

Professional remediation is necessary to safely contain the area, remove the contaminated materials (like drywall), and identify the root moisture cause to prevent rapid regrowth. In the UAE, look for a provider that follows international guidelines like IICRC S520 and can provide before-and-after testing from an accredited lab to verify the space is safe. Until it's handled, keep the area sealed off and ensure your AC fan is running to help filter the air.