Is black mold in my villa causing my son's cough?« Back to Previous Page

Black mould on a wardrobe is a strong indicator of elevated humidity, which is common in Dubai villas after heavy rains. While not all black mould is the toxic Stachybotrys variety, any mould can produce allergens and irritants. Your son's persistent cough and runny nose are symptoms commonly associated with mould exposure, especially in children who are more susceptible.

For a situation like this, do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this can aerosolize spores and worsen the problem. The most effective method is professional remediation, which starts with a certified inspection to identify the mould species and the moisture source—often a hidden leak or condensation from the AC system. Remediation involves isolating the area, using HEPA filtration to capture spores, and removing the contaminated materials. The final, critical step is fixing the underlying humidity issue, often with HVAC adjustments or dehumidification, to prevent immediate regrowth.

Given your son's symptoms, a visit to a paediatrician or an allergist is advisable. You can mention the mould discovery; they can determine if specific allergy testing is warranted. In parallel, a professional indoor environmental assessment with lab analysis of a swab sample will provide definitive identification of the mould type, which can be valuable information for his doctor.