Is black mold causing my kids' cough?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, the black mold behind the wardrobe is very likely contributing to your kids' persistent cough and allergies. Mold releases spores and microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) into the air, which are known irritants that can cause chronic coughing, congestion, and worsened allergy symptoms, especially at night when the room is closed up.

In Dubai's climate, this situation is common. The combination of high humidity and year-round AC use creates perfect conditions for mold growth inside walls if there's a hidden moisture source, like a slow pipe leak or condensation within the building structure in older Al Quoz buildings. The wall cavity acts as an incubator, and the AC system can then circulate those spores throughout the room.

You need a professional inspection to identify the moisture source. Do not attempt to remove it yourself, as disturbing it will release a massive amount of spores. The inspection should include a moisture mapping of the affected walls to find the damp entry point. For a case this severe, with potential wall infiltration, remediation must be handled by a company that can provide full containment, HEPA air scrubbing, and proper disposal.

Request that the inspection company provides documented evidence of the mold type through lab analysis—this is critical for understanding the health risk and verifying the remediation was successful. They should also show you their moisture meter readings to prove they've found and fixed the source of the dampness, which is the only way to prevent it from returning.