Is black mold urgent for asthmatic child?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's from the black spots I just found behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom. We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed it, but it's probably been growing slowly in the humidity. I'm worried because my youngest has asthma. How urgent is it to deal with this, and should I be keeping the kids out of the room completely until it's sorted?
Posted by Anthony Jackson
Asked on April 5, 2026 9:55 am
Yes, the situation you describe is urgent and requires immediate attention, especially given your child's asthma. The presence of visible black growth, a musty odor, and correlating respiratory symptoms in occupants are clear indicators of a problematic mold infestation that cannot be ignored.

In the UAE's climate, high humidity and constant air conditioning create ideal conditions for mold, particularly in poorly ventilated areas like behind furniture. The condensation from AC units often soaks into walls, providing the persistent moisture mold needs to thrive. The species commonly referred to as "black mold" (Stachybotrys chartarum) is a toxigenic type that can produce mycotoxins. For an asthmatic individual, exposure is a significant health risk. It acts as a powerful allergen and irritant, triggering severe asthma attacks, chronic coughing, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. It can also lead to respiratory infections in vulnerable individuals.

I strongly recommend you keep your children, especially your youngest, completely out of the master bedroom and ensure the door is closed to prevent spores from disseminating into the rest of the home. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as improper disturbance will aerosolize a high concentration of spores and mycotoxins, drastically increasing exposure.

This scenario necessitates a professional inspection and remediation plan. Our certified inspectors will conduct a thorough assessment, including moisture mapping and air quality testing, to identify the exact species and the full extent of the contamination, which is often far greater than what is visible. The remediation process will then involve engineering controls like negative air pressure and HEPA filtration to safely contain and remove the biological pollutants.

For the health of your family, please contact us immediately for a comprehensive assessment. Call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 6, 2026 12:13 pm