Is mold behind bed causing my kids' cough?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, mold behind the bed is very likely the cause of your children's persistent cough. In Dubai's climate, this is a common issue. The high humidity, especially combined with condensation from air conditioning units on exterior walls, creates an ideal environment for mold growth behind furniture placed against walls.

The type of mold matters, but any significant growth can cause respiratory irritation. Symptoms typically include chronic coughing, wheezing, nasal congestion, and sore throats, which align with what you're describing. The risk is higher for children due to their developing respiratory systems.

You should have them see a doctor and inform the physician about the mold exposure. This will help them make an accurate diagnosis. For the apartment, this situation requires professional assessment. In Dubai, hidden mold like this often indicates a underlying moisture issue, such as a small leak in the plumbing or condensation within the wall cavity. Simply cleaning the visible patch is not enough; the source of the moisture must be identified and resolved to prevent immediate regrowth.

A proper inspection involves moisture mapping and often requires air or surface sampling to be analyzed by a microbiology lab to identify the species present. This step is crucial for determining the appropriate remediation method and for verifying that the environment is safe again after cleanup. In rental properties, this is typically the responsibility of the landlord to address.