Could this mold cause our constant respiratory issues?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past month and I’m starting to panic. I just pulled out a bag of winter clothes from the back of our built-in wardrobe in the master bedroom and found a huge patch of black, fuzzy mold covering the entire back wall behind the shelves. We’ve lived here for 2 years and just noticed this now. Could this mold be the reason for our constant colds and respiratory issues?
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Yes, the black mold in your wardrobe is very likely contributing to your family's persistent respiratory issues. In Dubai's climate, built-in wardrobes on exterior walls are common sites for hidden mold growth due to condensation from the constant AC use and high humidity. The mold you've discovered is releasing spores into the air of your bedroom, which are then inhaled, causing irritation and symptoms like chronic coughing, congestion, and worsened allergies, especially in children.
You should treat this as a serious indoor air quality issue. Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as disturbing it will aerosolize a massive number of spores. The first step is a professional inspection and air quality test to identify the mold species and its concentration in your bedroom's air. This is critical, as some species like Stachybotrys (often called "black mold") can produce mycotoxins, while others are primarily allergenic. A certified inspector will use a moisture meter to find the source of the dampness—often a small plumbing leak in the wall, condensation, or even humidity from an en-suite bathroom—which must be repaired first to prevent regrowth. The remediation process itself requires containment of the area, specialized HEPA filtration equipment to clean the air, and safe removal of contaminated materials. Once the mold is professionally remediated and the moisture source fixed, you should see a noticeable improvement in your children's symptoms. For now, keep the wardrobe door closed and limit time spent in that room until a professional assessment can be done. |
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