Are black spots behind wardrobe making my kids sick?« Back to Previous Page

Black spots behind a wardrobe in a Jumeirah apartment are a strong indicator of a mould colony, and yes, it is very likely contributing to your children's persistent coughing. The confined space, lack of airflow, and condensation from the exterior wall create an ideal environment for mould growth in Dubai's humid climate. The spores become airborne and can irritate the respiratory system, particularly in children.

The fastest initial step is to address the moisture source. Move the wardrobe away from the wall to let the area dry completely. For a small patch (less than 1 square meter), you can carefully clean it with a solution of detergent and water, wearing an N95 mask and gloves to avoid spore inhalation. However, given the symptoms and the location, a professional inspection is strongly recommended.

Coughing for a month suggests a significant and potentially hidden issue. The visible spots are often just the tip of the iceberg; mould can grow inside the wall or under flooring. A proper assessment involves moisture meters and thermal imaging to find the core problem, which is often a small plumbing leak or penetrating damp from the building envelope. Simply cleaning the surface without fixing the root cause will lead to its swift return.

For a verifiable and lasting solution, a certified inspector can take air and surface samples for lab analysis. This identifies the mould species and spore count, confirming the health risk and guiding the correct remediation protocol. In many Dubai apartments, the most effective long-term strategy includes fixing the leak, removing affected materials, and installing a dehumidification system to manage the indoor humidity that year-round AC use can create.