Is black mold behind dresser causing my kids' cough?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing nonstop for the past couple of weeks and we can't figure out why. I finally pulled their wooden dresser away from the wall in our Deira apartment and found a huge patch of black, fuzzy mold hiding behind it, probably from the humidity. I'm panicking now that their coughing is connected to this. How dangerous is this, and what's the fastest way to get it professionally cleaned and make sure it's really gone?
Posted by Sabine Kowalski
Asked on April 28, 2026 9:15 am
It is very likely the black mold behind the dresser is causing or significantly worsening your children's cough. Mold releases spores and microscopic fragments into the air that are respiratory irritants, particularly for children. The constant exposure in their bedroom directly explains the persistent symptoms.

In Dubai's high humidity, this is a common issue. Condensation forms on cooler exterior walls, especially behind furniture blocking airflow, creating the perfect damp environment for mold growth. While not all black mold is the infamous 'toxic' Stachybotrys, any widespread growth like you describe requires professional remediation.

Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this can aerosolize the spores and worsen the problem. The fastest and safest approach is to contact a professional mold remediation company. A reputable provider will first conduct an inspection to identify the moisture source and the mold species, then contain the area to prevent cross-contamination. They will use HEPA filtration air scrubbers during the physical removal and treatment of the affected wall and furniture. The final, critical step is verification that the mold is gone through post-remediation testing, ideally with a lab report showing spore counts have returned to normal indoor levels. This is the only way to be certain the environment is safe again for your children. Until then, keep the area isolated and increase ventilation in the room if possible.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 28, 2026 2:35 pm