Is black mold causing my kids' cough and how to clean?« Back to Previous Page

Based on your description, there is a high probability that the black mold growth behind the wardrobe is contributing to your children's persistent cough. The combination of stagnant air, high humidity, and a cellulose-based food source (like the paper face of drywall) creates an ideal environment for mold proliferation, particularly in Dubai's climate where air conditioning runs year-round and can lead to significant condensation issues.

The black, speckled pattern is characteristic of fungal growth, and the proximity to your children's sleeping area means they are inhaling elevated concentrations of mold spores and microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) throughout the night. This exposure is a known irritant to the respiratory tract, especially in children.

Regarding cleaning, I must strongly advise against attempting to clean this yourself while your family is in the residence. Disturbing the colony without proper containment will aerosolize a massive quantity of spores, drastically increasing airborne contamination and potential exposure. Over-the-counter cleaners like bleach are ineffective on porous surfaces and only address the surface discoloration, not the root hyphae growth within the wall.

The situation you describe—spreading growth on a structural element like a wall—requires professional assessment and remediation. Per UAE standards, a certified mold inspector should conduct air and surface sampling to identify the species and concentration levels to determine the appropriate remediation protocol. This ensures the problem is resolved safely and completely.

For the health of your family, I recommend you contact a professional service immediately. Saniservice specializes in this exact scenario. They can provide a comprehensive inspection and safe remediation. You can reach them at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or hello@saniservice.com.