Is black mold causing my kids' cough?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for a couple of weeks, and I just found patches of black mold behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom in our villa in Jumeirah. We had that small leak from the AC unit a while back and I guess the moisture never fully dried out in this humidity. Could this be the reason for their constant cold-like symptoms and what’s the fastest way to deal with this properly?
Posted by Yan Hu
Asked on March 22, 2026 3:00 pm
Based on the symptoms you've described and the discovery of black mold, there is a very high probability that the mold is the cause of your children's persistent coughing. The presence of black mold, particularly Stachybotrys chartarum, is strongly associated with respiratory irritation, chronic cough, and cold-like symptoms, especially in children whose immune systems are still developing.

The conditions in your Jumeirah villa are a textbook case for mold proliferation. The initial AC leak introduced moisture, and Dubai's high ambient humidity, often exceeding 90%, creates an environment where this moisture cannot evaporate naturally. This is compounded by year-round AC use, which can cause significant condensation if the units are not properly maintained or if there are insulation issues within the ductwork or drain pans. The area behind the wardrobe is a classic blind spot where stagnant, humid air gets trapped, providing the perfect breeding ground.

It is critical that you do not attempt to clean this yourself. Disturbing the mold colony will aerosolize the spores and mycotoxins, potentially worsening your children's symptoms and contaminating other areas of your home. The recommended course of action is a professional inspection and remediation.

We strongly advise you to contact a certified professional immediately. Our team at Saniservice specializes in mold inspection, air quality testing, and CDC-compliant remediation protocols tailored for the unique climate of the UAE. We can properly identify the species, contain the area, and safely remove the contamination to ensure your family's health is protected.

Please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an emergency inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 24, 2026 5:58 am