Could this mold be causing our family's cough?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the symptoms you've described – persistent cough, sore throats, and headaches – and your discovery of black fuzzy mold on stored items, there is a very high probability that mold exposure is the primary culprit. The damp conditions you mentioned following the January rains created an ideal environment for mold growth, especially in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces like under-stair cupboards.

The type of mold you're describing (black, fuzzy) could be Stachybotrys chartarum, commonly known as "black mold," which is notorious for producing mycotoxins that can cause the exact respiratory and neurological symptoms your family is experiencing. In the UAE's climate, where high humidity is often trapped inside air-conditioned homes, this is a frequent issue post-rain events.

I strongly recommend you cease using that storage area immediately and do not attempt to clean it yourself. Disturbing the mold will aerosolize the spores, significantly increasing airborne contamination and potentially worsening your family's health issues.

For a situation like this, a professional inspection is absolutely critical. Our certified technicians use specialized equipment like moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras, and air sampling pumps to identify the full extent of the contamination, even within walls, which is common after water intrusion. The analysis will determine the species and spore count, which is essential for planning a safe and effective remediation strategy following UAE standards for indoor air quality.

Please, for your family's health, get a professional assessment. You can reach our team 24/7 at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for an urgent consultation.