Is damp wall mold causing my child's cough?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing and I suspect it’s because of a black speckling I just found behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom. We’ve lived here for 2 years and just noticed it, but the wall feels slightly damp to the touch. What’s the most effective way to treat this ourselves and who should I call to check for a hidden leak in the wall?
Posted by Salim Al-Nasser
Asked on April 1, 2026 4:35 am
Based on your description, it is highly probable that the damp wall and visible black speckling are mold growth, which is a common cause of respiratory irritation, including persistent coughing in children. The dampness suggests an ongoing moisture source, likely a concealed leak from a pipe within the wall or condensation buildup due to the interaction of Dubai's high external humidity with your year-round air conditioning.

For your child's health and to prevent structural damage, immediate action is required. Do not attempt to clean significant mold growth yourself, especially with children present. Disturbing it releases spores into the air, potentially worsening the cough and contaminating other areas. DIY methods like bleach are ineffective on porous surfaces like drywall and only address surface discoloration, not the root cause.

The most effective course of action is a two-step professional process. First, you must identify and repair the moisture source. A leak detection specialist should be called to perform a non-invasive inspection to locate the hidden leak. Second, a certified mold inspector must conduct air and surface sampling to identify the mold species and the full extent of the contamination, which is often far greater than what is visible.

For comprehensive remediation that follows UAE health and safety guidelines, I recommend contacting Saniservice. Their certified technicians use specialized containment, HEPA filtration, and antimicrobial treatments to safely remove the mold and restore your indoor air quality. For a consultation and inspection, call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 2, 2026 12:49 pm