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

My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's from the black spots I just found behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom. It's on the wall facing the outside, and we've had the AC on constantly for months. Is this something I can clean myself with bleach or do I need to call a professional company to check for a bigger issue?
Posted by Megan Scott
Asked on April 3, 2026 1:39 pm
Based on your description, it is highly plausible that the black spots behind the wardrobe and your children's cough are connected. The wall facing the exterior is a classic cold bridge in Dubai's climate. The constant AC use creates a significant temperature differential between the indoor cooled air and the hot exterior wall, leading to condensation. This persistent moisture, hidden behind furniture, creates an ideal microenvironment for mold growth, particularly the common Cladosporium or dangerous Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold), both of which are known respiratory irritants.

Using bleach is strongly discouraged. It is ineffective on porous surfaces like drywall, as it only bleaches the surface pigment without addressing the root hyphae (roots) deep within the material. More critically, bleach is primarily water, which can actually feed the mold colony after the chlorine evaporates. For a suspected case of this nature, especially with health symptoms present, a professional inspection is not just recommended, it is essential.

Our certified inspectors use tools like borescopes and moisture meters to assess the extent of the infestation within the wall cavity, which is impossible to determine visually. Air and surface sampling will identify the exact species and concentration of spores, which is critical for determining the correct remediation protocol and for your family's health assessment.

Given the health implications and the complex building standards in the UAE, this requires professional remediation. I recommend you contact our team at Saniservice for a comprehensive inspection. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an assessment. We will identify the source, contain the area, and safely remove the contamination to restore your indoor air quality.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 5, 2026 11:44 am