Black mold in closet causing coughs - treat myself?« Back to Previous Page

Black mold in a Jumeirah villa closet is a common issue here, often triggered by the high humidity and condensation from year-round AC use. The damp wall and musty smell confirm a moisture problem, and the coughing in your children is a legitimate health concern, as mold spores are a known respiratory irritant.

For a small area, you can attempt to treat it yourself. Wear an N95 mask, gloves, and safety glasses. Scrub the affected drywall with a mixture of detergent and water, then disinfect with a solution of one part bleach to four parts water. Allow the area to dry completely. However, this only addresses the surface growth. The critical step is identifying and stopping the moisture source. In a closet, this is often condensation from an AC supply vent or a small water leak. Ensure the closet door is left ajar for air circulation and consider using a moisture-absorbing product like silica gel.

Given the symptoms and the wall's dampness, a DIY approach is unlikely to solve the root cause. The mold you see is likely just the surface manifestation of a larger colony within the wall cavity. Professional inspection is strongly recommended to locate the hidden moisture source and assess the full extent. Spores can indeed spread via the AC system if the unit is drawing air from that contaminated space. A certified inspector can perform air and surface sampling to identify the mold species and spore count, which is vital for determining the appropriate remediation plan and ensuring it doesn't recur.