Is black mold causing our month-long cough and allergies?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, the black mold behind your wardrobe is very likely causing your family's persistent cough and allergy symptoms. In Dubai's humid climate, this type of hidden mold growth is unfortunately common, especially on exterior walls where condensation can form behind furniture. The constant inhalation of its spores directly irritates the respiratory tract, leading to the exact issues you're describing.

Cleaning it yourself is not recommended. Disturbing the mold releases a large cloud of spores into your home's air, which can spread the contamination and significantly worsen your symptoms. For a patch you describe as "huge," the safe protocol involves containment, professional-grade HEPA filtration to capture spores, and proper disposal of contaminated materials.

The first step is to have the mold properly identified. While often called "black mold," many species are black in appearance. A lab culture can confirm if it is Stachybotrys chartarum or another type, which helps determine the remediation approach. In Dubai, professional remediation companies should follow standards like the IICRC S520 to ensure it's removed correctly.

Until a professional can assess it, reduce moisture in the room. Keep the AC running to lower humidity, ensure the unit is draining properly, and move the wardrobe away from the wall to improve air circulation. For your health, it's best to limit exposure to that room until the situation is resolved.