Mold behind sofa causing coughs - doctor or inspection first?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past month and we can't figure out why. I’ve just pulled out the sofa in our Deira apartment to look for a lost toy and found a huge patch of black mold spreading across the wall behind it, which must have been there for ages. The room always feels damp, and I’m panicking that this is what’s making them sick. What is the fastest way to get a proper mold inspection done here, and should I be taking them to a doctor first to get checked out?
Posted by Tomasz Gonzalez
Asked on March 26, 2026 12:51 am
Based on your description, this is a serious situation that requires immediate and professional attention. The black mold behind the sofa is a significant health hazard, particularly for children, and is almost certainly the cause of their persistent coughing.

You should take your children to a doctor first to address the immediate health symptoms. Inform the physician about the mold discovery, as this is a critical diagnostic clue. They can assess for allergies, respiratory irritation, or mycotoxicosis (mold poisoning) and provide appropriate treatment to alleviate the coughing.

Concurrently, you must arrange for a professional mold inspection. Do not attempt to disturb or clean the mold yourself, as this will aerosolize the spores and drastically increase your family's exposure. In Dubai's humid climate, exacerbated by year-round AC use which can create condensation traps, mold growth behind furniture is a common issue, especially in older Deira buildings. A certified inspector will conduct a comprehensive assessment, including moisture mapping with thermal imaging and air quality testing to identify the孢子 (spore) count and species type. This is vital, as certain types of "black mold" (like Stachybotrys) are more toxic than others.

The fastest way to get a proper inspection is to contact a certified remediation company like Saniservice. We operate in accordance with Dubai Municipality guidelines and can dispatch a team swiftly to contain the area, perform the necessary testing, and provide a detailed remediation protocol. For immediate assistance, call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Your family's health is the priority, and a professional inspection is the first step to ensuring your home is safe.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 28, 2026 10:13 pm