Could mold in our Dubai house be causing my child's cough?« Back to Previous Page

Our 5-year-old has been having a really bad cough and runny nose for the last three weeks, and we can’t figure out why. I just pulled out some winter clothes from the storage cupboard under our stairs in Jumeirah and found a bunch of our jackets and shoes covered in fuzzy black spots. The smell in there is really damp. Could this mold be making my son sick, and what’s the safest way to clean it with him in the house?
Posted by Nasser Al-Farsi
Asked on March 30, 2026 8:45 pm
Based on your description, it is highly probable that the mold discovered in your storage cupboard is contributing to your child's persistent respiratory symptoms. The fuzzy black spots are characteristic of a significant mold colony, and the damp, musty odor confirms active microbial growth, which releases spores and mycotoxins into your home's air. Children are particularly susceptible to these airborne irritants, which can trigger chronic coughing, runny noses, and other allergic reactions.

In Dubai's climate, this is a common issue. The extreme humidity, combined with condensation from year-round AC use, creates ideal conditions for mold, especially in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces like under-stair cupboards. The problem is often worse during the winter months when humidity levels can be high and air circulation is reduced.

For your family's safety, I strongly advise against attempting a DIY cleanup. Disturbing the mold without proper containment will aerosolize a massive amount of spores, drastically increasing your son's exposure and potentially spreading the contamination throughout your home. Over-the-counter cleaning solutions are ineffective against the root cause and can be harmful if inhaled.

The only safe and effective course of action is a professional inspection and remediation. Our certified technicians at Saniservice follow strict UAE standards for mold abatement. We begin with a comprehensive air quality and surface sampling test to identify the spore types and concentration levels. Remediation involves engineering controls: setting up negative air pressure containment, using HEPA filtration scrubbers to clean the air, and applying specialized antimicrobial agents to not only remove the visible growth but also eliminate the hidden hyphae within porous materials like textiles and drywall. This process ensures the problem is resolved at its source, safeguarding your child's health.

For immediate assistance, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 2, 2026 1:00 pm