Should I take my kids to a Dubai doctor for mold?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past month, and I’m starting to panic. I finally pulled out their toy chest from against the wall in our Deira apartment and found a huge patch of black mold hidden behind it, probably from last winter’s humidity. What are the specific health risks for young children exposed to this, and should I take them to a doctor here in Dubai immediately for testing?
Posted by Margaret Wright
Asked on May 5, 2026 8:20 pm
Yes, take them to a doctor promptly. Document the mold with photos to show the physician. The primary risk for children is respiratory; prolonged exposure to mold spores can trigger chronic coughing, wheezing, and asthma-like symptoms, or significantly worsen existing allergies. In rare cases, certain toxic mold species can cause more severe reactions, but persistent irritation is the most common issue in homes here.

Given Dubai's high humidity, especially during winter months when condensation builds on cooler surfaces like exterior walls, this is a frequent problem in older Deira buildings. The mold behind the furniture is likely Stachybotrys ("black mold") or Aspergillus, both of which are common in such scenarios and are strong respiratory irritants.

A Dubai doctor can assess your children's symptoms and may recommend allergy testing or a chest X-ray to rule out other causes. While they can treat the symptoms, the root cause is the mold in your home. Do not attempt to clean a large patch yourself, as this will aerosolize a massive amount of spores. The wall must be inspected to see if the moisture is from internal condensation or a leak. Professional remediation is advised to properly contain the area, remove the contaminated materials, and apply antimicrobial treatments to prevent regrowth. After remediation, an indoor air quality test can verify the spore count has returned to a safe level.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 8, 2026 5:21 pm