What are immediate steps for black mold and doctor tests?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past two weeks and we can't seem to shake it, even with medication. I finally pulled their bunk beds away from the wall in our Deira apartment and found a huge patch of black mold hidden behind there, probably from the humidity. I’m really worried about their health. What are the immediate steps I should take to clean this safely and should I take them to a doctor for a specific test?
Posted by Deepak Verma
Asked on April 22, 2026 8:25 pm
First, limit your children's exposure to the area immediately. Keep them out of the room and ensure good ventilation by opening windows if outdoor air quality permits. Do not attempt to scrub the mold yourself, as this can aerosolize spores and worsen inhalation. For a small patch (less than one square meter), a solution of diluted white vinegar can be carefully applied to dampen and wipe the area, but wearing an N95 mask and gloves is non-negotiable. For the size you describe, professional remediation is strongly advised to prevent cross-contamination.

Given the hidden nature and the health symptoms, a professional inspection is warranted to identify the moisture source—often condensation from AC units or a hidden leak—and assess the full extent within the wall cavity, which is common in Deira's humid climate. They can perform air quality testing to determine spore count levels in the room.

Yes, take your children to a doctor and specifically mention the confirmed black mold exposure. There is no single "mold test," but the doctor can assess for mold-related illness, which often presents as persistent allergic rhinitis or worsening asthma. Treatments are typically symptomatic (antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids). A lab culture of the mold itself, which a company with a microbiology lab can provide, identifies the species and can inform the doctor if more specific toxins are a concern. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has guidelines on indoor air quality that practitioners follow. Addressing the moisture source is the only way to prevent recurrence.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 23, 2026 5:03 am