Black mold behind wardrobe causing kids' sickness?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, the mold behind your wardrobe is very likely the cause of your children's persistent stuffy noses and dry cough. This is a common reaction to inhaling mold spores, which irritate the respiratory tract. The situation you've described—a large patch discovered behind furniture after a moisture event—is a serious indoor air quality issue that requires immediate and careful action.

Do not clean it with bleach. While bleach can remove surface discoloration on non-porous surfaces, it is largely ineffective on porous materials like drywall or wood, where the mold's root structure (mycelium) remains. It also poses its own respiratory hazards in an enclosed space. For a patch of significant size, the recommended approach is professional remediation.

In Dubai's climate, this is a critical concern. Our high humidity, especially combined with the constant cold surfaces from year-round AC use, creates massive condensation risks. This mold growth indicates a persistent moisture problem, either from the past leak or ongoing condensation on that exterior wall. Simply cleaning the visible mold without identifying and solving the moisture source will guarantee its return.

You need a professional inspection. A reputable company will first identify and rectify the moisture source to prevent recurrence. For a case of this severity, especially with children affected, remediation should include containment of the area to prevent spores from spreading throughout your home during cleaning and the proper disposal of contaminated porous materials. They should also provide verification, typically through post-remediation testing, that the spore count in the room has returned to acceptable levels. This is the only way to be confident the environment is safe for your family again.