Could black mould in my Dubai villa be causing kids' cough?« Back to Previous Page

Black mould behind a wardrobe in a ground-floor Jumeirah villa is a very likely cause of persistent coughing and cold-like symptoms in children. The high humidity here, especially in older villas, creates a perfect environment for mould growth. Air conditioning alone often isn't enough to manage moisture from the ground and ambient air, leading to hidden condensation on cooler walls and behind furniture.

The safest approach is a two-step process: diagnosis and remediation. First, do not attempt to clean significant patches yourself, as improper scrubbing can aerosolize spores and worsen the problem. A professional inspection can identify the moisture source—often a small leak, capillary rise from the damp ground, or condensation—and assess the full extent. They can also take a sample for a lab culture to confirm the mould type, as some species are more problematic than others.

For remediation, professionals will contain the area, use HEPA-filtered air scrubbers to capture spores during removal, and safely dispose of contaminated materials like drywall. Crucially, they must fix the underlying moisture issue; otherwise, the mould will return. This often involves improving ventilation, addressing any leaks, or applying waterproofing measures.

In the meantime, improve airflow in the room by moving the wardrobe slightly away from the wall and ensure your AC unit is set to a consistently cool temperature to reduce condensation. Running a dehumidifier can also help lower indoor humidity levels below the 60% threshold where mould thrives.