Could this mold cause my husband's cough?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, the mold behind your wardrobe could very well be causing your husband's persistent dry cough and itchy eyes. These are classic symptoms of mold exposure, which acts as an irritant to the respiratory system and eyes. The constant air conditioning use in Dubai creates a perfect environment for this scenario—cold surfaces from the AC unit can cause condensation, leading to hidden dampness and mold growth, often behind furniture or in walls.

Given the symptoms have persisted for a month and you've identified a moisture source (the suspected AC leak), this situation should be addressed with some urgency. Prolonged exposure can lead to worsening symptoms or the development of greater sensitivity.

The first step is to identify and stop the moisture source. The AC leak must be repaired by a certified HVAC technician to prevent the problem from immediately returning. For the mold itself, professional remediation is strongly recommended for a patch found behind a fixture. Disturbing it during DIY cleaning can release a high concentration of spores into your apartment's air, potentially exacerbating your husband's symptoms.

A reputable mold inspection company can confirm the type of mold and the full extent of the contamination, often using moisture meters and borescopes to see inside walls. This is crucial, as what you see is frequently just a fraction of the total growth. They will also perform the containment and removal following industry standards to protect your indoor air quality during the process. Resolving the leak and the mold should lead to a noticeable improvement in his symptoms.