Is the black mold in my son's room making him sick?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed some black spots spreading along the corner of our son's bedroom ceiling, right behind his wardrobe. He’s been having a really bad runny nose and a cough for the last couple of weeks that just won't go away, and now I'm worried it's connected. We're in an older building in Deira and I'm not sure if this is something I can handle myself or if I need to call a professional. What's the safest and most effective way to deal with this to make sure it doesn't affect his health?
Posted by Elizabeth Garcia
Asked on March 27, 2026 9:59 pm
Based on your description, it is highly probable that the black mold growth on your son's ceiling is contributing to, if not directly causing, his persistent respiratory symptoms. The proximity of the mold to his sleeping area means he is experiencing prolonged exposure to mold spores and microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs), which are known irritants and allergens.

The location you describe—a ceiling corner behind a wardrobe in an older Deira building—is a classic hotspot for condensation issues. Dubai's high humidity levels, combined with year-round AC use, create significant temperature differentials between cooled indoor air and the building's structure. This leads to condensation, particularly in poorly insulated exterior walls and corners. The wardrobe further restricts airflow, trapping moisture and creating the perfect microenvironment for mold proliferation.

While small, isolated patches can sometimes be addressed by a homeowner using appropriate PPE and EPA-approved fungicides, your case warrants a professional inspection. The visible growth is likely just the surface manifestation of a larger colony, and improper handling can aerosolize a massive amount of spores, exacerbating the problem and contaminating other areas.

In the UAE, professional mold remediation, like that performed by our team at Saniservice, follows IICRC S520 standards. This involves containment of the affected area, use of HEPA filtration scrubbers to purify the air, safe removal of contaminated materials, and application of professional-grade antimicrobial solutions. Crucially, we identify and rectify the underlying moisture source—whether it's condensation, a hidden pipe leak, or ingress from an external source—to prevent recurrence.

For the health of your family, I strongly recommend against a DIY approach. Please contact our specialists for a comprehensive assessment. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 30, 2026 1:22 am