Could mold in blankets be causing our cough and headaches?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, the mold you found is very likely causing the symptoms you described. The coughing and headaches are common reactions to inhaling mold spores and the microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) they release. This is especially concerning for children, whose respiratory systems are more sensitive.

The damp patch on the wall indicates a persistent moisture source, which is the root cause. In Dubai's climate, this is often due to condensation from AC ducts running inside the wall, a small plumbing leak, or moisture wicking through the concrete from a poorly sealed balcony or bathroom. The wardrobe, being a dark, enclosed space with organic material like cotton blankets, provides the perfect environment for mold to flourish once moisture is present.

Your first step is to isolate the area. Seal the contaminated blankets in a plastic bag and remove them from the home to prevent further spore dispersal. Do not attempt to clean them yourself, as this will aggressively aerosolize the spores. For the wall, avoid using bleach; it only removes surface discoloration and does not address the root moisture or the hyphae growing deep within porous materials like drywall and concrete.

Given the visible growth and correlating health symptoms, a professional inspection is strongly advised. They will use moisture meters and thermal imaging to pinpoint the exact moisture source hidden behind the wall—a critical step to prevent immediate regrowth. They can also take air and surface samples for lab analysis to identify the mold species, which confirms the health risk and provides a baseline for verifying the success of any remediation work. Resolving the moisture issue is the only permanent solution.