Mold behind mattress causing coughs, who to call?« Back to Previous Page

Mold growth behind furniture is common in Dubai's high humidity, especially when items are placed against exterior walls that experience temperature differences and condensation. The coughing your children are experiencing is a typical reaction to mold spore exposure, which acts as a respiratory irritant.

For a situation like this, you need a two-step approach. First, address the immediate issue: carefully wipe the visible mold from the wall surface using a microfiber cloth dampened with a diluted detergent solution. Do not use bleach, as it doesn't kill the roots and can worsen indoor air quality. Dry the area thoroughly with a fan. Move the mattress away from the wall to improve air circulation.

Because you suspect it's behind the walls, a professional inspection is strongly recommended to assess the full extent. In villas, moisture can wick up from the slab or seep through walls, creating hidden colonies. You should call a certified mold assessment company, not just a general cleaning service. Look for providers who use thermal imaging cameras to detect hidden moisture and who can conduct air or surface sampling to be analyzed by an accredited microbiology lab. This identifies the species and concentration, which dictates the proper remediation protocol. The Dubai Municipality has guidelines for indoor air quality that reputable companies follow. Proper remediation involves containment of the area and removal of contaminated materials, not just surface cleaning.