Could mold behind sofa cause our persistent cough?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, the mold behind your sofa is very likely causing your family's persistent cough and scratchy throat. In Dubai's humid climate, this scenario is unfortunately common – condensation from AC units often leaks unnoticed behind furniture, creating ideal conditions for mold growth on drywall and fabrics.

The black and green mold you describe typically includes species like Aspergillus or Cladosporium, which are known respiratory irritants. Their spores become airborne when disturbed and directly cause the symptoms you're experiencing: chronic coughing, throat irritation, and worsened allergy-like responses, particularly in children.

Your first step is to avoid disturbing the area further. Do not attempt to clean it with bleach or DIY methods, as this can aerosolize a high concentration of spores. For a contamination of this size, professional remediation is strongly advised. Dubai Municipality guidelines require mold remediation companies to follow specific containment and disposal protocols to prevent cross-contamination.

You'll need both a mold inspection to assess the full extent (as it often grows inside walls) and an air quality test to identify the species and spore count. This is crucial for health reasons and for your landlord, as it documents the issue. Since 2020, Dubai rental laws have increasingly recognized tenant rights to healthy indoor environments, especially when HVAC issues are involved.

Until professionals arrive, increase ventilation in the room if possible, but keep the door closed to other areas. Consider using a dehumidifier to lower the moisture level, as mold thrives above 60% relative humidity.

For verification, always request a detailed lab report from an independent microbiology lab. Reputable companies will provide this, showing spore counts before and after remediation. This is the only way to confirm the environment is safe again for your family.