Mold behind wardrobe causing kids' cough and headaches?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, the mold behind the wardrobe is very likely contributing to your children's persistent coughs, runny noses, and headaches. The exterior walls in many older Jumeirah villas are prone to condensation, especially during humid periods, creating a perfect environment for mold growth behind furniture. The constant airflow from your AC can then aerosolize the spores, circulating them throughout the room.

For immediate action, move the wardrobe away from the wall to ventilate the area. Do not attempt to scrub it with bleach, as this can agitate the spores. Instead, carefully wipe the visible patches with a diluted vinegar solution or a specialized mold cleaner to temporarily reduce the surface growth. The most critical step is to identify and address the moisture source, which is often condensation due to the temperature difference between the air-conditioned room and the humid outside wall.

Given the symptoms and the extent of growth you describe, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. They can use moisture meters to pinpoint the exact condensation levels within the wall cavity and take air and surface samples for lab analysis to identify the mold species. This is important as some types, like Aspergillus, are common here and can cause more significant respiratory irritation. Remediation often involves correcting insulation issues, improving ventilation, and properly removing the contaminated materials.

Until it's resolved, keep the children out of that room and regularly clean surfaces with a damp cloth to capture settled spores. Consider using a dehumidifier in conjunction with your AC to help maintain a drier indoor environment, which is the most effective long-term prevention strategy in our climate.