Is black mold behind dresser making my kids sick?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past couple of weeks and we can't figure out why. I finally pulled their wooden dresser away from the wall in our Marina apartment and found a huge patch of black mold growing behind it, probably from the humidity. I’m really worried about their health. What’s the fastest and safest way to deal with this and should I be taking them to a doctor?
Posted by Antonio Schmidt
Asked on March 28, 2026 1:52 pm
Based on your description, it is highly probable that the black mold growth behind the dresser is contributing to, if not directly causing, your children's persistent coughing. This is a serious health concern that requires immediate action on two fronts: medical and environmental.

The black mold you discovered is likely Stachybotrys chartarum or another toxigenic species, which produces mycotoxins. In the humid, air-conditioned environment of a Marina apartment, condensation forms on cold walls, especially behind furniture that restricts airflow. This creates a perfect breeding ground for mold. When disturbed, these molds release spores and toxins into the air, which are inhaled and can cause severe respiratory irritation, allergic reactions, and persistent coughing, particularly in children whose immune systems are still developing.

Your first step should be to schedule a visit with a pediatrician. Inform them of the mold discovery, as this is a critical diagnostic clue. They can assess your children for mold-related illnesses and provide appropriate treatment.

Do not attempt to clean a significant patch of mold yourself. Disturbing it without proper containment will aerosolize a high concentration of spores throughout your apartment, exacerbating the problem. The safest and most effective solution is to call professionals.

At Saniservice, our certified mold inspectors conduct a comprehensive assessment using moisture meters and thermal imaging to identify the full extent of the moisture intrusion and contamination. We then perform remediation under strict containment with HEPA filtration to ensure spores are not spread, following Dubai Municipality guidelines for healthy indoor environments. We not only remove the visible mold but also identify and rectify the source of the humidity to prevent recurrence.

For the health of your family, I strongly recommend a professional inspection and remediation. Please contact us for an immediate assessment at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 29, 2026 11:53 pm