Is black mold causing our breathing issues?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past month and my own allergies are going crazy, especially at night. I’ve just pulled back the wardrobe in our master bedroom, which is on the outside wall of our villa in Mirdif, and found a huge patch of black mold growing behind it, probably from the last round of heavy humidity. Is this likely the cause of our breathing issues and what’s the safest way to get it cleaned properly?
Posted by Anna Fischer
Asked on May 19, 2026 7:00 pm
Yes, the black mold behind your wardrobe is very likely causing or significantly worsening your family's breathing issues. In Dubai's climate, high humidity leads to condensation on cooler exterior walls, especially behind furniture, creating the perfect environment for mold growth. The spores released into your bedroom air are a common irritant, causing persistent coughing, worsened allergies, and nighttime symptoms when exposure is highest.

For a patch you describe as "huge," professional remediation is the safest approach. Disturbing it yourself can release a massive cloud of spores, escalating the problem. Look for a company that follows IICRC standards for containment, using physical barriers and HEPA-filtered negative air machines to prevent cross-contamination. They should also identify and correct the moisture source—this is critical, as cleaning without fixing the underlying humidity issue will lead to rapid regrowth.

After remediation, request a post-clearance test to verify spore counts in the room have returned to safe, outdoor levels. This provides documented proof the problem is resolved. For ongoing prevention, ensure your AC is well-maintained to control humidity, keep furniture slightly away from exterior walls to allow air circulation, and consider a humidity meter (hygrometer) to monitor levels, keeping them below 60%.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 22, 2026 2:23 am