Is the mold in my villa causing our coughs?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing constantly for the past month, and my own allergies are going crazy. We live in a villa in Jumeirah and I’ve just noticed a patch of black spots spreading behind the wardrobe in the master bedroom. Is this the likely cause, and how quickly do I need to get a professional mold inspection done?
Posted by Noor Al-Sayed
Asked on May 4, 2026 5:10 pm
Yes, the mold behind your wardrobe is a likely cause of the persistent coughing and worsened allergies. In Dubai's climate, high humidity and constant AC use create ideal conditions for mold growth, especially in enclosed spaces like behind furniture where condensation can accumulate. The black spots indicate an active colony releasing spores into your indoor air, which are direct respiratory irritants.

Given the symptoms affecting children and the visible spread, a professional inspection is strongly recommended and should be arranged within the next week. Do not attempt to disturb the area yourself, as this can release a large number of spores and exacerbate the problem. A proper inspection involves more than a visual check; it includes using moisture meters to find the water source and often air or surface sampling to identify the mold species, as some types are more problematic than others. This is critical in a villa, as the issue may extend into the wall cavity.

The initial step is to identify and address the moisture source, which is often condensation from AC ducts, a small leak, or capillary rise from the slab in humid areas. Simply cleaning the visible mold without solving the moisture problem will lead to its quick return. For a case like this with health symptoms already present, a science-based approach with verifiable lab results provides the clarity needed to guide an effective remediation plan.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 5, 2026 6:47 am