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

My kids have been coughing for the last couple of weeks and I've just discovered patches of black mold behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom. We live in a villa in Jumeirah and it feels really humid in there, even with the AC on. What is the safest and most effective way to get rid of this ourselves, or should we call a professional company right away?
Posted by Linda Lewis
Asked on April 10, 2026 7:02 pm
The black mold you've described is very likely a contributing factor to your children's persistent cough. In Dubai's high-humidity climate, even with AC running, condensation can form on cooler surfaces like exterior walls behind furniture, creating the perfect environment for toxic black mold (often Stachybotrys chartarum) to thrive. This mold releases mycotoxins and spores that are potent respiratory irritants, especially for children.

Given the health symptoms and the fact the mold is hidden (suggesting a larger colony may be present within the wall cavity), a DIY approach is strongly discouraged for several reasons. First, improper handling will aerosolize a massive amount of spores and toxins, drastically increasing exposure and contaminating your entire home. Second, surface cleaning with bleach is ineffective and dangerous; it only removes the visible discoloration but leaves the root mycotoxins and hyphae intact, allowing for rapid regrowth. The underlying moisture issue must be professionally identified and resolved.

The safest and most effective protocol is to call a professional environmental company like Saniservice immediately. We follow strict UAE regulations for mold remediation, which involves advanced containment with negative air pressure chambers, HEPA filtration scrubbing of the air, specialized antimicrobial treatment of all affected structures, and, crucially, identifying and rectifying the source of the moisture intrusion. Our process is designed not just to remove the visible mold but to make your villa safe again and prevent recurrence.

For the health of your family, I recommend you avoid the area and seek a professional inspection and remediation. Please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for an immediate assessment.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 12, 2026 2:25 am