Could this mold cause my kids' coughing and watery eyes?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, the mold behind the wardrobe is very likely the cause of your children's persistent coughing and watery eyes. These are classic symptoms of mold exposure, which acts as a powerful irritant to the respiratory system and eyes. The constant, close-quarters exposure in their bedroom, especially during sleep or play, creates a direct link to their symptoms.

The black mold you found is particularly concerning in Dubai's climate. The high humidity, combined with condensation from a potential AC leak inside a poorly ventilated space (like behind heavy furniture), creates an ideal breeding ground for mold. This type of hidden growth is common in villas here and can go unnoticed for months.

You should treat this situation seriously. Disturbing the mold by moving the wardrobe has likely released a large number of spores into the room's air, potentially worsening the problem. For the health of your family, especially children who are more vulnerable, professional assessment is strongly recommended. Do not attempt to clean a large patch yourself with bleach or other household cleaners, as this can aerosolize the spores and exacerbate the issue without addressing the root cause.

A proper inspection will identify the mold species and, most critically, locate the moisture source—such as that suspected AC leak—which must be repaired first. Any remediation should be followed by post-clearance testing to verify the spore count in the air has returned to acceptable levels. Until then, improve ventilation in the room and consider having the children sleep elsewhere if possible.