Mold behind wardrobe causing coughs and headaches?« Back to Previous Page

The symptoms you describe, especially the persistent cough in children and headaches, are consistent with exposure to certain types of mould. The black, fuzzy patches behind the wardrobe are a clear sign of a moisture issue, likely exacerbated by the post-rain humidity we've had and condensation from the bathroom sharing the wall. In Dubai's climate, this trapped moisture creates an ideal environment for mould growth, even if it wasn't visible before.

The first step is to limit exposure. Avoid disturbing the mould, as this can release spores into the air. Keep the bedroom well-ventilated and run a dehumidifier if possible. Do not attempt to clean it with bleach, as this often fails to address the root cause and can aggravate symptoms.

For a situation of this scale and with associated health effects, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. The inspector will identify the specific moisture source (like a hidden pipe leak or condensation from the cold wall meeting humid air) and assess the extent of the growth, which may be inside the wall cavity. They should perform air and surface sampling to be sent to an accredited microbiology lab for identification; knowing the species is crucial for understanding the health risk and planning the correct remediation strategy.

Proper remediation involves containing the area, safely removing the contaminated materials, and addressing the underlying moisture problem to prevent recurrence. Once the source is fixed, ensuring good airflow behind furniture and managing indoor humidity levels are key to keeping it from returning.