Possible black mold in kids' room - who to call in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

Black mold is a general term for several species, with Stachybotrys being the most concerning. It often appears as dark greenish-black, slimy speckles on consistently damp materials like drywall or wood. The damp wall behind the wardrobe is a significant indicator, as this mould requires constant moisture to grow.

For your children's health, the priority is identifying the moisture source. In Dubai's climate, this is often condensation from an AC unit, a hidden pipe leak, or humidity trapped against a cold external wall. The persistent dampness, not just the visible growth, is what needs to be resolved. The non-stop coughing could be a reaction to the mould spores, as children are particularly sensitive to the irritants and allergens all mould types release.

You should call a professional indoor environmental consultant or a mould inspection company that uses a certified microbiologist. In the UAE, look for providers who follow international standards like the IICRC S520 for mould remediation. The key is to choose a company that does not do testing and remediation, as this is a conflict of interest. A proper inspection involves air and surface sampling sent to an accredited lab (like EMIC UAE) to identify the species and spore count, which determines the remediation protocol. They will also locate the moisture source with tools like thermal imaging.

For removal, the Dubai Municipality's public health department has guidelines, and a reputable contractor will contain the area, remove contaminated porous materials like the damp drywall, and use HEPA filtration to clean the air. Once the moisture issue is fixed and the mould is professionally removed, the coughing should subside. Avoid disturbing the area yourself, as this can release a large number of spores.