Is this mold dangerous and need immediate professional help?« Back to Previous Page

The fuzzy black spots you found are very likely mold, which can definitely be the source of your children's persistent cough. The high humidity in Dubai, especially in poorly ventilated storage areas, creates an ideal breeding ground for mold. It can begin affecting health quickly, causing respiratory irritation, congestion, and worsening allergies, particularly in children.

For a small, isolated patch (less than one square meter), you can handle it yourself with caution. Wear an N95 mask, gloves, and goggles. Move the box and clean the area with a mixture of detergent and water; avoid bleach as it doesn't prevent regrowth. Discard any porous items (like cardboard boxes) that are contaminated. The critical step is to identify and fix the moisture source—this could be a small condensation leak from an AC pipe in the wall or simply a lack of airflow.

However, given that the mold was hidden behind a box, it suggests a longer-term moisture issue, and the wall cavity may harbor more growth. Because your children are already symptomatic, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. They use moisture meters and borescopes to assess the full extent behind walls, which is crucial for an effective solution. In the UAE, reputable remediators follow standards like the IICRC S520, focusing on containment and removal, not just surface cleaning. They can also conduct lab analysis to identify the mold species, which helps assess potential health risks and confirms the cleanup was successful. For your family's health, getting a professional assessment is the most prudent course of action.