Could mold behind wardrobe cause my kids' coughing?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the symptoms and your description, it is highly probable that the mold growth discovered behind the wardrobe is the primary cause of your children's persistent coughing. The conditions you described are a textbook case for mold proliferation in the Dubai climate.

When a villa is left vacant with the AC on a timer, it creates significant humidity fluctuations. The AC cycles on to cool the air, but when it shuts off, the temperature and relative humidity rise rapidly within the sealed environment. This leads to condensation forming on cooler surfaces, such as external walls behind large furniture like wardrobes. This trapped moisture, combined with organic material in the dust and building materials, creates an ideal breeding ground for mold, particularly the common allergenic types like Cladosporium or Aspergillus that often appear as black spots.

The mycotoxins and spores released by these colonies become airborne and are potent respiratory irritants and allergens, especially for children. Continuous exposure, even at low levels, can cause chronic coughing, wheezing, and other allergic reactions.

For a definitive answer, professional inspection and testing are critical. DIY test kits are unreliable. A certified inspector will conduct a visual assessment, use moisture meters to map the extent of the dampness, and take air and surface samples for laboratory analysis to identify the exact species and concentration. This is essential for determining the correct remediation protocol.

Do not attempt to remove this yourself, as improper handling will aerosolize a high concentration of spores throughout the home. The remediation process involves containment, HEPA filtration, removal of contaminated materials, and specialized hygienization to ensure complete spore elimination.

Given the health implications for your family, I strongly recommend immediate action. For a certified inspection and rapid, effective remediation, you should contact the professionals at Saniservice. They are experts in dealing with mold issues specific to UAE properties. You can call them at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an assessment.