Is hidden mold causing my twins' persistent illness?« Back to Previous Page

Our twins have been having a runny nose and a weird cough for the past two weeks that just won't go away. I was cleaning behind their wooden wardrobe in the master bedroom of our Jumeirah villa yesterday and found a patch of black and green mold growing on the wall, hidden from view. With all the humidity lately, I'm panicking that this is the cause. How dangerous is this likely to be for a 3-year-old and what's the fastest way to get it professionally tested and removed?
Posted by Christopher Davis
Asked on March 31, 2026 5:50 am
Hidden mould is a common trigger for persistent respiratory symptoms like runny noses and coughs in children. The humid Dubai climate, especially with year-round AC use, creates ideal conditions for mould growth in hidden areas like behind furniture. For a 3-year-old with a developing immune system, exposure can certainly worsen or cause these symptoms.

The fastest way to get it professionally tested is to engage a company with its own microbiology lab, as this eliminates shipping delays for samples. They can conduct non-invasive air and surface sampling to identify the mould species and spore count, which determines the actual risk level. For removal, the Dubai Municipality has specific guidelines for remediation to prevent cross-contamination. A professional team will seal the area, use HEPA filtration to capture airborne spores, remove the contaminated materials, and treat the area with specialized biocides.

Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this can aerosolize the spores and worsen the problem. Focus on improving ventilation in the room and reducing humidity. A professional inspection is strongly recommended to assess the full extent, as the visible patch is often just a small part of the problem.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 1, 2026 4:41 am