Is this mold behind my child's bed dangerous?« Back to Previous Page
|
My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past month, especially after they sleep in their room. I’ve just pulled out their wooden bed frame to find what looks like black spots all along the wall behind it. We live in a villa in Mirdif and I’m really worried this is mold from the humidity. What’s the first step I should take for a proper mold inspection?
|
|
The black spots behind the bed are very likely mold, a common issue in Dubai villas due to high humidity and condensation from AC units. Whether it's dangerous depends entirely on the species, which cannot be identified by sight alone. Some molds, like certain types of Cladosporium or Penicillium, are common here and primarily cause allergic reactions—such as the coughing and congestion you're describing. However, the presence of Stachybotrys (so-called "black mold"), while less common, warrants more serious concern and requires a different remediation approach.
The first step is to not disturb it further, as brushing or wiping can release spores into the air. For a proper inspection, you need a professional assessment that includes air and surface sampling. The inspector will use specialized equipment to take samples from the affected wall and the room's air, which are then cultured in a microbiology lab to identify the exact species and concentration. This is critical, as the lab report will determine the actual health risk and the specific remediation protocol required, which is far more effective than DIY solutions. Given the symptoms and the location (a child's bedroom), a professional inspection is strongly recommended. They can also identify the moisture source—often condensation from an AC supply duct in the wall, a small leak, or simply poor airflow behind the furniture—which must be fixed to prevent it from returning, even after a full cleanup. |
Please log in to post questions/answers: