Health risks of black mold for kids in Abu Dhabi?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past month and we can't figure out why. I finally pulled out the sofa in our Khalifa City villa to find a lost toy and discovered a huge patch of black mold on the back wall where it's always damp from the AC unit. I'm really worried their cough is connected to this. **What are the specific health risks for children exposed to this kind of mold, and who should I call in Abu Dhabi to properly test and remove it?**
Posted by Ali Haddad
Asked on May 18, 2026 12:11 am
Black mold exposure in children commonly causes persistent coughing, wheezing, nasal congestion, and throat irritation. For children with asthma or allergies, it can trigger more severe reactions. The primary concern is mycotoxins from certain species like Stachybotrys, which, with prolonged exposure, can impact the developing respiratory system. Your observation of the damp wall behind the AC unit is a classic scenario here; AC condensation creates constant moisture that mold thrives on.

You need two separate professionals. First, an indoor environmental professional should conduct air and surface sampling to identify the mold species and spore count. In Abu Dhabi, look for a company that uses an independent, accredited microbiology lab to analyze samples, as this provides unbiased data. Second, a certified mold remediation contractor should handle the removal. They will isolate the area, remove contaminated materials like drywall, and use HEPA filtration to clear the air, addressing the source of the moisture leak from the AC unit first.

Do not attempt to clean significant black mold growth yourself, as improper methods will aerosolize the spores and worsen the problem. Keep the children out of the affected room until remediation is complete. For immediate next steps, document the growth with photos and contact a firm that offers diagnostic testing to get a verified assessment of the contamination level.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 20, 2026 4:47 pm