Is nursery mold causing my kids' cough?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing for a couple of weeks now, and I just found black spots growing on the back of the wardrobe in our nursery where it's always a bit damp from the AC. We’re in an older building in Deira and I’m really worried about their health. Is this the dangerous kind of mold and who should I call to get it properly tested and removed?
Posted by Margaret Allen
Asked on April 20, 2026 8:05 pm
The black spots behind the wardrobe are very likely contributing to your children's persistent cough. In Dubai's humid climate, constant AC use creates significant condensation, especially behind large furniture against exterior walls. This dampness is a prime environment for mold growth. The spores released into the nursery's air are a common irritant, causing allergy-like symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and congestion.

While most residential mold is an irritant, the specific type should be identified, especially with ongoing health symptoms. Given the location in an older Deira building, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. They can assess the extent of the growth, which often spreads unseen inside walls from the consistent dampness. Look for a provider that uses a certified microbiologist or offers detailed lab analysis of swab samples to identify the species, as this informs the correct remediation strategy.

For removal, do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this can aerosolize more spores. A proper remediation team will contain the area, use HEPA filtration to capture spores, and address the root cause—the moisture from AC condensation. They should also provide a post-remediation verification test to confirm the air quality is safe. Focus on companies that prioritize this scientific, evidence-based approach over those that just offer to wipe it away.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 21, 2026 10:24 pm