Is mold behind dresser making my kids sick?« Back to Previous Page

It is very likely the mold behind the dresser is contributing to your children's persistent coughing. The types of mold commonly found in Dubai homes, such as Cladosporium or Aspergillus, are known respiratory irritants that can cause allergy-like symptoms, including chronic coughing, congestion, and wheezing, especially in children.

The exterior wall in Al Barsha is a classic problem area. Humidity from our climate penetrates the wall, and the dresser traps that moisture against the cooler surface, creating a perfect, hidden environment for mold to thrive. The constant use of AC can cause further condensation on these walls.

For your situation, the fastest and safest approach requires professional remediation. Do not attempt to clean significant growth yourself, as this will release a large number of spores into the air. A reputable mold inspection company can contain the area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to prevent cross-contamination. They will remove the moldy materials using HEPA-filtered equipment, then treat the wall with antimicrobial solutions and address the underlying moisture source.

Before any cleaning, insist on a lab test to identify the mold species. This confirms the health risk and provides a baseline. After remediation, a clearance test is essential to verify the spore count in the room has returned to a safe level. This documented proof is your assurance that the problem is resolved.

Until professionals arrive, move the dresser away from the wall, improve air circulation in the room with a fan, and keep the children out of the area. The most critical long-term fix will be identifying and rectifying the source of the moisture in that wall to prevent it from returning.