Urgent: damp wall and mold making kids cough?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's because of the black spots I just found behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom. We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed it when we moved the furniture to rearrange, and the wall feels damp to the touch. Is this something I need to call a professional about immediately, or can it wait until the weekend?
Posted by Geeta Malhotra
Asked on May 7, 2026 9:05 am
Yes, this warrants immediate professional attention. The combination of visible black mold, a damp wall, and respiratory symptoms in children is a clear sign of an active moisture issue that needs to be addressed.

In Dubai's climate, a damp interior wall often points to a more serious problem than simple condensation, such as a hidden plumbing leak from an adjacent bathroom or a breach in the building's external waterproofing (a common issue after several years). The mold is thriving because of this constant moisture source.

For your children's health, it is not advisable to wait. Many species of black-colored mold can produce allergens and irritants that cause coughing, congestion, and worsened asthma. Disturbing it by cleaning yourself can aerosolize these spores throughout your home. A proper inspection will identify the exact moisture source and the mold type.

You should contact a provider who can conduct a comprehensive assessment, including moisture mapping and, if necessary, air or swab sampling for lab analysis to identify the species. Remediation must start by fixing the water intrusion first; otherwise, the mold will simply return. Look for a company that provides documented proof of both the moisture source repair and the post-remediation verification, not just a surface cleaning.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 7, 2026 1:41 pm