Black mold behind wardrobe causing coughs? Professional needed?« Back to Previous Page

Based on your description, this is a serious situation that requires immediate professional attention. The symptoms in your children and the presence of dampness on an interior wall are significant red flags.

What you are describing is highly consistent with a mold infestation, likely Stachybotrys chartarum (often called "black mold") or another toxigenic species, which can produce mycotoxins and microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) that are known respiratory irritants. The persistent cough in your children is a common physiological response to these airborne contaminants. The dampness behind the wardrobe, on an interior wall, strongly indicates a hidden condensation issue or a potential plumbing leak within the wall cavity, both of which are common in Dubai due to our high humidity levels and year-round reliance on AC systems, which can create significant temperature differentials and condensation points.

You must not attempt to clean this yourself with bleach. Bleach is ineffective on porous surfaces like drywall and wood, as it does not kill the mold roots (hyphae) and can actually aggravate the situation by releasing a higher concentration of spores and toxins into the air, potentially worsening your family's exposure. Disturbing the colony without proper containment and air filtration will cross-contaminate your entire living space.

This is not a job for a regular cleaner. It requires a certified mold inspector to conduct air and surface sampling to identify the species and concentration, and a remediation team using industry-standard protocols for containment, HEPA filtration, and removal. DIY attempts are not advised and can violate best practices for indoor environmental quality.

For the health of your family, I strongly recommend a professional inspection and remediation. Contact our specialists at Saniservice for a comprehensive assessment. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.