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

My kids have been coughing non-stop since we got back from summer vacation, and I just found a patch of black mold behind their bedroom wardrobe. It's an interior wall in our Jumeirah villa, and I'm panicking that the humidity built up while we were away. Could this be causing their respiratory issues and what's the fastest way to handle it properly?
Posted by Lan Lee
Asked on March 27, 2026 9:24 am
Based on your description, it is highly probable that the black mold (most likely Stachybotrys chartarum, a toxigenic species common in water-damaged buildings) is the primary cause of your children's persistent coughing. This type of mold releases mycotoxins and microscopic spores into the air, which are potent respiratory irritants and allergens, particularly harmful to children whose immune systems are still developing.

The conditions in your Jumeirah villa are a classic case for mold proliferation. Dubai's high ambient humidity, combined with a lack of ventilation while the AC was likely switched off during your vacation, creates a perfect environment for condensation to form on cooler interior walls. This trapped moisture behind a large piece of furniture like a wardrobe provides the constant dampness mold needs to grow.

Do not attempt to remove this yourself. Disturbing the patch will aerosolize a massive concentration of spores and toxins, significantly worsening the indoor air quality and potentially causing more severe health reactions. The UAE's civil defense regulations and best practices for environmental health strictly advise against unqualified handling of microbial contamination.

The fastest and only proper way to handle this is a professional inspection and remediation. A certified specialist will conduct a thorough assessment, including moisture mapping and air quality testing, to determine the full extent of the contamination, which is often far greater than what is visible. They will then execute a controlled remediation following IICRC S520 standards, employing containment barriers, HEPA filtration, and specialized antimicrobial agents to safely remove the mold and treat the area to prevent regrowth.

For immediate action, I recommend you call our team at Saniservice on 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We specialize in resolving such issues in Dubai's unique climate and can provide a rapid response to safeguard your family's health.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 29, 2026 1:24 am