Is my kids' cough from mold in wardrobe?« Back to Previous Page

It is very possible the mold is contributing to your kids' persistent cough. Mold exposure, especially in a confined space like a wardrobe, commonly causes respiratory irritation, coughing, and worsened allergy symptoms. The damp smell confirms active growth, which releases spores into the air you're all breathing.

The first step is to limit exposure. Keep the wardrobe door closed and the room well-ventilated, but avoid disturbing the mold yourself as this can release a large number of spores. Do not attempt to clean it with bleach, as this only removes the colour and can aggravate the problem.

For a proper inspection, you need a professional assessment. In Dubai's climate, with high humidity and constant AC use, hidden mold growth inside walls or under flooring is common when a damp patch like this is visible. A certified inspector will use moisture meters and thermal imaging to find the full extent of the water source and spread, which is almost always larger than the visible patch. They should also take air and surface samples for lab analysis to identify the mold species, as this determines the necessary remediation approach and health risk level. This documented evidence from a microbiology lab is crucial, especially if you need to make a case with your landlord or building management.

Given the symptoms and the visible growth, this is a situation that warrants a professional diagnosis to protect your family's health and identify the root cause of the moisture.