Is black mold behind furniture making us sick?« Back to Previous Page

It very likely could be making you sick, especially given the recent high humidity and your children's symptoms. The black spots behind the wardrobe are a classic sign of mould growth caused by condensation and poor air circulation, a common issue in Dubai villas where furniture is placed against exterior walls. The coughing is a typical reaction to mould spores becoming airborne and being inhaled.

You should treat this as urgent. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach or other household cleaners, as this can aerosolize a high concentration of spores and worsen the problem. The immediate steps are to move the wardrobe away from the wall to allow the area to dry completely and to improve air circulation in the room with a fan or by adjusting your AC flow. Keep the children out of that room until it has been assessed.

Given the visible growth and existing health symptoms, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. An expert can identify the mould species, which is critical, and use moisture meters to find the source of the dampness—whether it's a small condensation issue or something more significant like a hidden pipe leak. In the UAE, remediation must follow strict DHA and DM guidelines to ensure it is contained and removed safely, preventing further spread throughout your home. A proper assessment will determine the scope of cleaning needed and verify the air quality is safe after the fact.