Is black mold under bathtub sealant dangerous for kids?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing more than usual, especially my youngest, and I'm starting to worry. I just pulled back the silicone sealant around our Deira apartment's bathtub and found a bunch of black mold growing underneath it. The bathroom doesn't have a window and the exhaust fan is pretty weak, so it never seems to dry out properly. Is this kind of mold a serious health risk, and what's the most effective way to get rid of it for good?
Posted by Jason Hill
Asked on April 23, 2026 3:40 pm
Black mold under bathtub sealant can be a respiratory irritant, particularly for children who are more vulnerable. The type of mold is important; common black molds like Cladosporium or Aspergillus typically cause allergy-like symptoms such as coughing, congestion, and eye irritation. A windowless bathroom with poor ventilation in Dubai's high humidity creates the perfect environment for this growth.

The most effective remediation starts with removing the contaminated sealant entirely. Simply bleaching the surface will not address the mold growing deep within. After removal, the underlying area must be thoroughly cleaned, dried, and treated with an anti-microbial solution before applying new, high-quality mold-resistant sealant. This is a precise job often best handled by professionals to ensure the mold's complete removal and to prevent immediate recurrence.

To prevent it from returning, you must control the moisture. Run the exhaust fan for at least 30 minutes after every shower. Consider upgrading to a more powerful fan if the current one is weak. Wiping down wet surfaces and using a squeegee on shower walls can also help the area dry faster. In severe cases of persistent coughing, a professional inspection and air quality test can identify the specific mold species and spore count, providing clarity on the health risk and confirming the cleanup was successful.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 25, 2026 8:25 am