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

My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's from the black mold I just found behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom. It's a pretty big patch, maybe two feet wide, and we've lived in this Jumeirah villa for about five years without any issues until now. I'm worried about their health but also not sure if this is something I can tackle myself with bleach or if I need to call a professional company. How serious does this sound and should I just call someone?
Posted by Noura Khoury
Asked on May 28, 2026 8:32 am
Yes, this is a serious situation that requires immediate attention, especially with children in the home. The size of the patch and the fact it's behind furniture indicates a prolonged moisture issue, and its presence in the bedroom means your kids are being exposed to elevated spore levels for hours each night.

Black discoloration often signifies Stachybotrys chartarum, a toxigenic species known to produce mycotoxins. For children, whose respiratory systems are still developing, this exposure can directly cause or significantly worsen chronic coughing, wheezing, and allergy symptoms. The constant humidity and reliance on AC in Dubai creates perfect conditions for this hidden growth, often from condensation on exterior walls or a small, unnoticed leak.

Do not use bleach. It is ineffective on porous surfaces like drywall and only bleaches the colour, leaving the root structure intact. It can also agitate the colony, releasing a large cloud of spores into your home's air. Disturbing it yourself without proper containment measures risks significantly increasing your family's exposure.

You need a professional inspection. The visible mold is likely just the "bloom"; the actual root system may have penetrated deep into the wall. A proper assessment will identify the exact moisture source—whether it's condensation from the AC, a plumbing leak, or ingress from outside—and the full extent of the contamination. Remediation must address the source first, then safely remove all affected materials under containment to prevent cross-contamination. For a patch that size and given the health symptoms, hiring a certified remediation company is the safest course of action.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 30, 2026 11:30 pm