Is black mold making my twins sick? Urgent?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the symptoms and your discovery, it is very possible the mold is contributing to your twins' persistent cough and runny noses. The black, fuzzy growth behind the dresser is a significant red flag, especially given its location directly under the AC vent, which can create a cycle of moisture and spore distribution.

Yes, you should keep the children out of that room immediately and close the door to prevent spores from circulating into the rest of the home. In Dubai's climate, where high humidity and constant AC use create ideal conditions for mold, this situation requires prompt professional attention. A proper inspection should be arranged within the next few days.

What you found needs professional testing to confirm if it is Stachybotrys (true "black mold") or another common but still problematic species like Cladosporium or Aspergillus. Both can cause the symptoms you describe, particularly in children. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as disturbing it can release a large number of spores into the air.

A legitimate inspector will use a moisture meter to find the water source (likely condensation from the AC duct or a leak) and take air and surface samples for a certified microbiology lab to analyze. This identifies the species and concentration, which dictates the correct remediation method. Remediation involves fixing the moisture source, containing the area, removing contaminated materials, and HEPA vacuuming and cleaning. Once the underlying cause is fixed and the area is properly remediated, you can expect the health issues to subside.