Urgent: Mold behind sofa making kids sick?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, you should treat this urgently and consider relocating your children until remediation begins. The combination of Dubai's high humidity and constant AC use creates ideal conditions for mold growth, particularly behind furniture where condensation from cold walls or AC leaks goes unnoticed. That black patch is likely releasing spores into your air, which can directly cause or exacerbate respiratory issues like persistent coughing.

For a confirmed AC leak and visible spread, professional remediation is necessary. DIY cleaning often disperses spores further. A proper assessment will determine the mold type and extent behind the wall, as what's visible is often just a fraction. The Dubai Municipality has clear guidelines on mold remediation for rental properties, and your landlord should address this promptly as it constitutes a health hazard.

Until a professional can contain and remove the growth, it is safest to keep your children out of that room. Their continued symptoms indicate ongoing exposure. Open windows for ventilation if possible and run a dehumidifier to help lower moisture levels temporarily. The priority is stopping the source of the moisture—the AC leak must be repaired to prevent recurrence. A company with microbiology lab testing can identify the species present, which helps confirm the link to your children's health symptoms and verifies the cleanup was successful.