Is mold causing our coughs and how urgent is removal?« Back to Previous Page

The black mold you found is very likely contributing to your family's persistent coughs, sore throats, and headaches. These are classic symptoms of mold exposure, which irritates the respiratory tract. The heavy January rains are a key clue; they likely increased humidity and caused a hidden moisture intrusion in the wall, creating the perfect environment for mold to grow behind the wardrobe.

Given the symptoms and the visible growth, this situation should be addressed with urgency. Continued exposure can worsen respiratory issues, especially in children. In Dubai's climate, where we rely on AC year-round, an indoor mold problem can quickly spread spores through the ventilation system, affecting other rooms.

Do not attempt to remove it yourself with bleach or simple cleaning sprays. Disturbing it will release a large number of spores into the air, potentially making the problem much worse. The priority is to identify and fix the source of the moisture—likely a leak or condensation from the rains—otherwise, it will simply grow back.

A professional inspection is necessary. They will identify the exact mold type (not all black mold is the notorious Stachybotrys, but many species cause health effects), locate the full extent of the growth, and find the moisture source. Remediation involves containing the area, safely removing contaminated materials, and using HEPA filtration to clean the air. After removal, a post-remediation verification test is the only way to confirm the space is truly safe.