Is hidden black mold making my family sick?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, hidden black mold is very likely contributing to your family's persistent coughing. The proximity to your sleeping area means you've been inhaling elevated levels of mold spores for an extended period, which is a common irritant for the respiratory system. Children are particularly susceptible to these effects.

Given the climate in Deira, with high humidity and year-round AC use, condensation and hidden leaks are frequent causes of this issue. The mold behind your sofa is a visible sign, but there is almost certainly more mold growth within the wall cavity or the AC system itself from that leak.

It is not safe to continue living in that room without addressing the source. The first step is to stop the moisture. Find and repair the AC leak immediately. For a situation this severe, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. They will use moisture meters and borescopes to assess the wall's internal damage and take air quality samples to identify spore types and concentrations.

Look for a provider that operates its own microbiology lab, as this allows for precise identification of the mold species, which is critical for understanding the health risk and planning the correct remediation strategy. They should provide a full report detailing the airborne spore count and the extent of the contamination. Any reputable company will be transparent and show you this documented evidence.