Could mold be causing our coughing and sneezing?« Back to Previous Page

Absolutely. As a certified indoor environmental quality specialist operating in Dubai for over a decade, I can confirm that the symptoms you're describing are classic indicators of a microbial issue, likely mold.

The persistent coughing and sneezing in your children are a direct immune response to inhaling mold spores and microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) released by a colony. The damp, musty odor you've noticed emanating from that storage room is the definitive signature of active mold growth. Given Dubai's recent spike in humidity—we've seen ambient RH levels consistently above 85%—and the common design of under-staircase closets which have poor air circulation and are often on cooler exterior walls (a prime condition for condensation), your situation is unfortunately very common here in Jumeirah villas.

The first thing you should do is not to disturb the area. Do not attempt to clean it with bleach or try to "see" it by moving items, as this will aerosolize a massive amount of spores. Your first step is a visual inspection with a flashlight, looking for any visible discoloration—black speckling, white fuzzy patches, or greenish streaks on walls, baseboards, or the contents of the storage room. Check for any signs of past water intrusion or condensation.

However, I must stress that visual confirmation is only part of the assessment. Hidden growth inside the drywall or under flooring is extremely common. For the health of your family, a professional inspection is non-negotiable. We use tools like borescopes, thermal imaging cameras to find hidden moisture, and air sampling to quantify spore levels in the air your children are breathing. This is crucial for determining the full scope and the correct remediation protocol, which is governed by strict standards like the UAE's Green Building Regulations.

Based on your description, this warrants immediate professional attention. Please, for your kids' health, get a certified assessment.

Call our team at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection. We can identify the source and provide a clear path to a healthy home.