Could black mold be causing our constant coughs?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, the black mold behind your sofa bed is very likely contributing to your family's persistent coughs and headaches. In Dubai's climate, hidden mold growth is common due to high humidity and condensation, especially on cold walls behind furniture where air doesn't circulate. This creates a perfect environment for mold, which releases spores and microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) that irritate the respiratory system.

Constant exposure to these irritants, especially for children, can cause exactly the symptoms you describe: a lingering cough, congestion, headaches, and allergy-like issues that feel like a cold that won't go away. The first step is to stop the exposure. Move the sofa bed away from the wall and avoid disturbing the mold patch, as this can release a large number of spores into the air.

For a patch that has been growing unseen for a long time, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. They can assess the extent of the growth, which may have spread into the wall cavity, and identify the mold species. This is important because the remediation approach differs. In many cases in Deira's older buildings, this is caused by a small, hidden water leak or consistent condensation from an AC unit.

A proper remediation will involve containing the area, removing the contaminated materials safely, and addressing the underlying moisture source to prevent it from returning. Until you can get it professionally assessed and resolved, improve ventilation in the room and consider using a dehumidifier to help lower the humidity level that mold thrives on.