Could black mold behind my wardrobe cause our cough?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, the black mold behind your wardrobe is very likely the cause of your family's persistent coughs, sore throats, and headaches. You are breathing in its spores while you sleep, which is a prolonged, direct exposure. The constant dampness from the AC leak creates an ideal environment for mold to thrive and release these irritants into your bedroom's air.

In Dubai's climate, this is a common but serious issue. Year-round AC use leads to condensation, and when a drain line clogs or a unit leaks inside a wall, the moisture has nowhere to go. This hidden dampness, combined with our high humidity, allows mold to spread rapidly out of sight.

Your first step is to stop the moisture source. You must have the AC unit and its drain line inspected and repaired by a certified HVAC technician to prevent the leak from continuing. Do not attempt to clean the mold yourself with bleach, as this can aerosolize a high concentration of spores and worsen the air quality. Disturbing it without proper containment measures risks spreading the contamination throughout your home.

For a case of this size and with health symptoms already present, a professional mold inspection is strongly advised. They can assess the full extent of the growth within the wall cavity and identify the specific species. Some types of black mold, like Stachybotrys, produce mycotoxins that are linked to more severe health effects. A reputable inspector will use tools like moisture meters and borescopes, and their final report should include recommendations for a certified remediation company to safely remove the affected materials and clean the area under containment. Until it is addressed, improve air circulation in the room and consider using a high-quality HEPA air purifier to help reduce the spore count you're breathing.