Black mold behind wardrobe causing cough, what to do?« Back to Previous Page

That black mold behind the wardrobe is a likely culprit for the nighttime coughing, especially with our high humidity. The wall facing outside is a classic trouble spot for condensation buildup, particularly when cooled by constant AC.

For your family's safety, do not attempt to clean it yourself. Disturbing the mold can release a high concentration of spores into the air, potentially worsening the respiratory issues. The immediate step is to isolate the area; keep the children out of that room and ensure good ventilation by opening windows if outdoor air quality permits.

You need a professional inspection from a company with a certified mold assessor. In Dubai, the recent humidity has significantly increased these types of hidden moisture problems. A proper inspector will use moisture meters and thermal imaging to find the exact source of the water intrusion—whether it's a small leak, capillary action from the slab, or condensation—and take air or surface samples for a microbiology lab to identify the mold species. This lab report is critical, as it confirms the type and concentration of mold present and guides the correct remediation protocol.

For remediation, hire a separate specialized mold remediation company that follows IICRC standards. They will set up containment with negative air pressure to prevent cross-contamination and safely remove the affected materials. Simply wiping it away is insufficient and often makes the problem recur. Addressing the underlying moisture source is the only permanent solution.