Could mold behind wardrobe be causing kids' persistent cough?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past month and we just found black spots spreading behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom. The AC unit in that room has been leaking a little for a while, and the whole room feels damp. Could this mold be the cause of their persistent cold-like symptoms, and what’s the first thing we should do about it?
Posted by Nikhil Mukherjee
Asked on April 16, 2026 12:25 am
Yes, the mold behind your wardrobe is very likely the cause of your children's persistent cough. In Dubai's humid climate, AC condensation leaks are a primary cause of hidden mold growth, and the resulting spores are a common indoor air irritant. This type of exposure often manifests as cold-like symptoms that don't resolve, including chronic coughing, congestion, and worsened allergies.

The first step is to limit their exposure. Keep the bedroom door closed and the children out of that room until the issue is resolved. Do not attempt to clean the visible mold yourself with bleach or other household cleaners, as this can aerosolize a high concentration of spores and aggravate the situation. Your priority is to identify and stop the moisture source. The AC leak must be repaired by a qualified HVAC technician to prevent immediate regrowth.

For a situation of this scale with health symptoms already present, a professional inspection is strongly advised. They can assess the full extent of the growth, which often spreads behind walls from a small visible patch. The most reliable approach involves both a visual inspection and air quality testing to identify the mold species and spore concentration levels. This data is crucial for determining the appropriate remediation strategy, which may involve containment of the area, specialized HEPA filtration, and antimicrobial treatment to ensure it is properly resolved.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 16, 2026 11:54 pm