Is mold causing our family's persistent sickness?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, the mold behind your wardrobe is a very likely cause of the persistent coughing and allergy symptoms in your family. The damp wall provides the moisture mold needs to grow, and the airborne spores it releases are a common irritant, especially in enclosed spaces like a bedroom.

In Dubai's climate, this scenario is common. High humidity, combined with condensation from constant AC use, creates perfect conditions for mold on cold exterior walls, often behind furniture where air doesn't circulate. The black spots you see are the colony itself, but the microscopic spores being released into your air are what you're breathing in, leading to respiratory irritation.

Your first step is to stop the moisture source. Move the wardrobe away from the wall to let the area dry completely. Check for a leaking pipe or AC condensation drain issue, which are frequent culprits in villas. For widespread growth like you're describing, a professional inspection is strongly recommended to identify the full extent and the specific type of mold, as some species are more problematic than others. They can also perform air quality testing to confirm spore levels in your living spaces are elevated.

Do not attempt to clean it with bleach yourself, as this can agitate the colony and cause a massive release of spores. For a confirmed, active growth of this size, proper remediation by a certified team is the safest way to resolve the issue and improve your indoor air quality. The health symptoms you're describing are a clear sign that the environment needs to be addressed.