Is black mold dangerous for my asthmatic child?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing and I suspect it might be from black mold I just found behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom. We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed it because we were rearranging furniture - the wall has this dark, fuzzy patch and the room has felt damp ever since the humidity spiked a couple of weeks ago. I'm really worried about their health, especially my youngest who has asthma. **How dangerous is this and should I get a professional mold removal company here in Dubai to handle it, or can I clean it myself with bleach?**
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Yes, black mold (commonly referring to Stachybotrys chartarum) is particularly dangerous for an asthmatic child. The presence of this mold and the onset of respiratory symptoms like coughing are a significant health concern that requires immediate and professional attention.
For an asthmatic individual, exposure to black mold spores is a potent trigger. These spores can cause severe allergic reactions, exacerbate asthma symptoms leading to more frequent and intense attacks, and cause persistent respiratory irritation. In the UAE's climate, the combination of high humidity and year-round air conditioning creates a perfect environment for mold growth. The AC unit itself can act as a vector, spreading spores from a hidden colony like the one behind your wardrobe throughout the entire home's air supply. Do not attempt to clean this yourself with bleach. Bleach is ineffective on porous surfaces like drywall, as it only bleaches the surface color without killing the roots (hyphae) deep within. More critically, improper cleaning will agitate the colony, releasing a massive cloud of spores and mycotoxins into the air, drastically increasing your family's exposure and potentially contaminating other areas of your home. This situation warrants a professional inspection and remediation. A certified company like Saniservice will conduct a thorough assessment to identify the full extent of the infestation and the moisture source, then execute a controlled remediation process using industrial-grade HEPA filtration to contain the spores, antimicrobial agents to eliminate the growth, and techniques to restore the affected area safely. For the health of your children, especially your asthmatic youngest, I strongly recommend you call professionals immediately. Please contact Saniservice for a certified inspection and safe remediation at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. |
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