Could black mold in our wardrobe cause my kids' illness?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, the black mold in your wardrobe is a very likely cause of your children's persistent coughing and sneezing. In Dubai's climate, enclosed spaces like wardrobes on external walls are prime locations for mold growth due to condensation from constant AC use, which creates a damp, dark environment mold thrives in.

The non-stop symptoms for weeks strongly point to an environmental irritant like mold spores. When disturbed, these spores become airborne and are inhaled, irritating the respiratory tract. Children are often more susceptible to these effects.

For a situation like this, the fastest proper way to deal with it involves two steps: containment and remediation. First, isolate the area. Keep the wardrobe closed and the bedroom door shut to prevent spore spread. Do not attempt to clean it with bleach yourself, as this can aerosolize the spores and make the problem worse.

The most effective solution is professional remediation. For a confirmed case affecting health, a specialist will contain the area, safely remove the moldy materials (like the winter clothes and possibly the wardrobe backing), and use HEPA filtration to clean the air. Given the persistent damp feeling, they should also perform a moisture survey to identify and address the underlying humidity source, which is crucial to prevent it from returning. In older Jumeirah buildings, this is often inadequate sealing or insulation on external walls. Request a post-remediation verification test to confirm the spore count in the room has returned to a normal level.