Is black mold behind wardrobe dangerous for kids?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing nonstop for the last month and I just found a huge patch of black mold behind their bedroom wardrobe. The wall feels damp to the touch and we’re in a ground-floor villa in Jumeirah. Is this the kind of mold that's actually dangerous or am I overreacting?
Posted by Eunbi Zhang
Asked on March 10, 2026 1:11 am
Based on your description, you are absolutely not overreacting. This is a serious situation that requires immediate attention. The combination of a large patch of black mold, a persistently damp wall on the ground floor in a humid climate like Jumeirah, and your children's ongoing respiratory symptoms is highly concerning.

While not all black-colored mold is the infamous Stachybotrys chartarum, the presence of any significant mold growth in a child's bedroom is a health hazard. The dampness indicates an ongoing moisture issue, which means the mold is actively growing and releasing spores into the air your children are breathing 24/7. This directly explains the non-stop coughing, which is a classic reaction to mold exposure, potentially leading to more severe allergic reactions or asthma development.

In the UAE, villa ground floors are particularly susceptible to moisture intrusion from rising damp and high humidity, especially if AC drain lines or other plumbing are nearby. The wall needs to be inspected for the moisture source—it could be a leak, condensation, or capillary action from the soil.

Do not attempt to remove this yourself. Disturbing it will aerosolize a massive amount of spores, potentially making your kids even sicker. Professional containment, air scrubbing, and safe remediation protocols are essential.

You need a certified mold inspection to identify the species and the moisture source. We use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact cause. Please, for your children's health, call us immediately for a professional assessment. Call 800-MOLDS or 800-66537 to schedule an emergency inspection. We can be there today to help you make that room safe again.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 12, 2026 2:55 pm