Found black mold in Dubai. Health risks for kids?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing constantly for a couple of months and we can't figure out why. I was cleaning behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom and found a huge patch of black, fuzzy mold on the wall, probably from a slow leak in the AC unit. It smells really damp and earthy back there. What are the specific health risks for children and what's the proper way to get this tested and cleaned in Dubai?
Posted by Salma Al-Hashim
Asked on April 11, 2026 11:50 am
The discovery of black mold, particularly Stachybotrys chartarum, in a Dubai residence is a serious concern, especially with children experiencing chronic coughing. The UAE's high humidity and constant AC use create ideal conditions for such growth, often due to condensation from poorly insulated ducts or slow leaks, exactly as you've described.

For children, the health risks are significant. Their developing respiratory systems are more vulnerable to mycotoxins and spores released by this mold. Prolonged exposure can exacerbate or cause chronic respiratory issues like coughing, wheezing, and asthma, along with allergic reactions, sinusitis, and immune system suppression. The damp, earthy smell indicates active microbial volatile organic compound (MVOC) release, which is directly linked to these symptoms.

Do not attempt to clean this yourself. Disturbing the colony will aerosolize a massive concentration of spores, drastically increasing inhalation risk. Proper remediation requires expert containment, industrial-grade HEPA filtration (air scrubbers), and specialized antimicrobial agents.

In Dubai, professional assessment is critical. We must first conduct a thorough inspection and air quality testing to identify the mold species and spore count, which guides the remediation protocol. Our teams at Saniservice are certified and follow strict guidelines to safely remove the biomass, treat the area, and rectify the moisture source—in this case, likely the AC leak, which must be repaired by a certified HVAC technician to prevent recurrence.

For immediate action and a certified inspection, I strongly advise you to call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a assessment and protect your family's health.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 12, 2026 7:41 am