Is wardrobe mold causing our cough and itchy eyes?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, the mold in your wardrobe is very likely causing or significantly worsening your symptoms. The persistent cough and itchy eyes are classic signs of mold exposure, which acts as a respiratory irritant and allergen. The fact that your symptoms are worse at home and you've found visible growth directly links the cause to your indoor environment.

In Dubai's climate, built-in wardrobes on exterior walls are prime locations for mold. The combination of high humidity and the constant cooling from your AC creates significant condensation within enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces. This dampness, trapped behind clothes, provides the perfect environment for mold spores to flourish.

For cleaning, safety is critical. Disturbing the mold will release a massive amount of spores into the air, potentially making your symptoms much worse. Wear a well-fitted N95 mask, goggles, and gloves. Remove all affected clothing and items for separate cleaning or disposal. For hard surfaces, scrub with a mixture of detergent and water, not bleach, as bleach does not kill mold roots and its fumes can aggravate respiratory issues. Ensure the area is thoroughly dried with fans after cleaning to prevent immediate regrowth.

However, surface cleaning only addresses the symptom, not the root cause, which is excess moisture. The damp feeling you mention indicates a persistent humidity problem within that room's structure. Given the extent of the growth and your family's health reaction, a professional inspection is strongly recommended to identify the moisture source—whether it's a condensation issue, a hidden leak, or inadequate ventilation. They can also perform air and surface sampling to identify the mold species, which is important for understanding health risks and verifying that remediation was successful.