Mold in wardrobe causing kids' persistent coughs?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, mold in the wardrobe is a very likely cause of your children's persistent coughs. The black and green fuzzy growth is actively releasing spores and microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) into the air, which are known respiratory irritants. In the confined space of a bedroom, this creates a concentrated exposure that can trigger coughing, congestion, and worsened allergy symptoms, especially in children.

Given the high humidity we're experiencing and the age of your Jumeirah villa, the problem is probably more widespread. Mold behind walls or under carpets from past humidity is common here. The safest approach with children present is to first isolate the area by keeping the wardrobe and bedroom door closed. Do not attempt to clean it with bleach yourself, as improper scrubbing will aerosolize a high concentration of spores throughout the house.

For a situation of this scale with health symptoms involved, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. They can identify the moisture source—often condensation from AC ducts in wardrobes or seepage—and assess the full extent. Remediation for families requires containment barriers, HEPA air scrubbers to capture spores, and specialized antimicrobial treatments. All affected porous materials like clothing and cardboard should be sealed in bags and discarded. Once the source is fixed and the area is professionally cleaned, monitor humidity with a hygrometer; maintaining indoor levels below 60% can help prevent recurrence.