Is black mould causing my kids' cough and headaches?« Back to Previous Page

Black mould exposure is a very likely contributor to your children's persistent coughs and headaches, especially given the proximity to their room. The species commonly found in damp indoor environments here, like Aspergillus or Stachybotrys, produce irritants and allergens that can cause these exact symptoms. The high humidity in Deira, particularly after a summer of the building being closed up, creates ideal conditions for this rapid spread.

The safest approach requires professional remediation, not just cleaning. Disturbing the mould without proper containment will release a massive amount of spores into your air, temporarily making the air quality and symptoms much worse. In Dubai, look for a company that follows IICRC S520 standards for mould remediation. This is a critical step—it means they will physically isolate the affected area with plastic sheeting, use negative air pressure machines (air scrubbers with HEPA filters) to capture spores, and properly dispose of contaminated materials like the drywall behind your wardrobe.

Before any cleaning, insist on a lab analysis to identify the mould species. This is not just for confirmation; it informs the remediation strategy and helps a doctor understand the potential health impact if you choose to consult one. After remediation, a post-clearance test is essential to verify the spore count in the room's air has returned to acceptable levels. For an older building, also ask them to identify and address the moisture source, which is often a small AC condensate drain leak or seepage through the external wall, to prevent it from immediately returning.