Mold behind wardrobe causing cough: call management or professional?« Back to Previous Page

Based on your description of the situation—black spots on an exterior wall, persistent cough in children, and a damp feel—this is a serious issue that requires immediate professional attention. The location in a Jumeirah apartment, which is exposed to high coastal humidity and year-round air conditioning, creates a perfect environment for mold growth due to thermal bridging and condensation on cooler exterior walls.

You should not attempt to handle this yourself. Disturbing the mold without proper containment can aerosolize the spores, significantly worsening the indoor air quality and potentially exacerbating the respiratory symptoms your children are experiencing.

In the UAE, building management is typically responsible for the structural integrity of the building and fixing the source of the moisture intrusion, such as a leaking pipe or a crack in the exterior wall. However, they are not equipped for professional mold remediation, which involves containment, air filtration, safe removal of contaminated materials, and hygienization.

My recommendation is a two-step process:
1. Inform your building management immediately about the suspected water intrusion on the exterior wall. They need to locate and repair the moisture source to prevent recurrence.
2. Concurrently, engage a certified mold remediation company like Saniservice. Our IICRC-certified technicians will conduct a thorough inspection, including air quality testing, to identify the species and extent of contamination. The remediation process involves engineering controls to prevent cross-contamination, safe removal of affected materials, and application of professional-grade antimicrobial solutions to ensure the environment is safe for your family.

For a proper assessment and to discuss a solution, I strongly advise you to call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Addressing the root cause and the contamination professionally is crucial for your family's health.