Is mold causing my kids' allergies and how remove safely?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, the black mould behind the wardrobe is very likely contributing to your children's persistent coughing. The high humidity we've had is a major catalyst for mould growth, especially in ground-floor villas in areas like Jumeirah where air circulation can be poor behind large furniture. This creates a perfect environment for mould spores, which are a known respiratory irritant and can significantly worsen allergy symptoms.

For safe removal, do not attempt to clean a patch this size yourself if occupants are already symptomatic. Disturbing it will release a large cloud of spores into the bedroom air, potentially making their allergies much worse. The safest first step is to isolate the area: keep the children out of the room and close the door. Place a towel at the base of the door to prevent spores from migrating to other parts of the house.

Professional remediation is advised here. Look for a provider that follows IICRC standards for mould remediation. The critical steps they should take are: first, sealing the area with plastic sheeting to contain the spores; using HEPA-filtered air scrubbers to clean the air; physically removing the mouldy material; then applying antimicrobial treatments. Crucially, they should also identify and fix the source of the moisture—often condensation from an AC unit, a plumbing leak, or moisture wicking from the ground through the wall.

After remediation, a post-clearance test by an independent microbiology lab is the only way to verify the spore count in the room has returned to a safe level before the children re-occupy the space. To prevent recurrence, ensure the room’s AC is serviced and draining properly, use a dehumidifier, and keep furniture slightly away from walls to improve airflow.