Could black mold in closet cause my kids' coughing?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, black mold in a closet can absolutely be the cause of your children's persistent coughing. The confined space of a wardrobe allows mold spores to concentrate on the clothing, which are then worn close to the face and airways, leading to irritation. The constant coughing is a very common reaction, especially in children who are more sensitive to airborne irritants.

In an older Al Barsha villa, this scenario is unfortunately common. The UAE's high humidity, combined with condensation from year-round AC use, creates perfect conditions for mold behind furniture placed against exterior walls. The wall behind that wardrobe is likely a "cold bridge," where condensation forms unseen.

Do not attempt to clean a large patch yourself. Disturbing it will aerosolize millions of spores, potentially making the air quality worse and spreading the problem. The safest first step is to isolate the area: keep the wardrobe doors closed and the room's door shut, and limit access, especially for the children.

For a case of this size and with health symptoms already present, a professional inspection is strongly advised. They can assess the extent of the growth, identify the mold species, and check for moisture within the wall cavity. Remediation involves containing the area with physical barriers, using HEPA filtration to capture spores during removal, and treating the underlying moisture source to prevent recurrence. The Dubai Municipality has guidelines for proper remediation to ensure it is done safely and effectively. The goal is to resolve the moisture issue and remove the mold in a contained manner that protects your family from further exposure.