Could Jumeirah villa mold be causing my kids' cough?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing nonstop since we got back from summer vacation, and I just found a patch of black mold behind their bedroom wardrobe. Our villa in Jumeirah is quite old and the humidity has been brutal this past month. Could this mold be causing their health issues and what's the proper way to get it treated in Dubai?
Posted by Brian Lewis
Asked on March 9, 2026 6:33 am
Absolutely. The short answer is yes, the mold you discovered is a very likely culprit for your children's persistent coughing. Here's a technical breakdown from an inspection perspective.

In the UAE's high humidity, particularly in older villas in coastal areas like Jumeirah with less modern ventilation, Aspergillus and Cladosporium species are common. These molds release microscopic spores and mycotoxins as part of their lifecycle. When inhaled, these particles are a potent irritant to the respiratory tract. For children, whose immune and respiratory systems are still developing, the reaction is often more pronounced, leading to chronic coughing, wheezing, and allergic reactions. The fact that symptoms began after returning to the environment is a strong indicator.

The location behind the wardrobe is a classic sign of condensation issues, where stagnant, humid air gets trapped against a cooler external wall. Simply wiping the visible patch is insufficient and can aerosolize more spores. A professional inspection is critical. We use borescopes to check inside wall cavities and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact source of the moisture—whether it's a minor condensation point or a more serious hidden leak. Remediation isn't just cleaning; it's about fixing the moisture problem and containing the area to prevent cross-contamination during removal, following guidelines from Dubai Municipality and environmental best practices.

For a case like this with clear health impacts, I strongly recommend a certified assessment. Please call our team at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection. We can identify the species, the extent of the problem, and provide a protocol to make your home safe again.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 10, 2026 11:48 pm