Could mold on clothes cause my kids' cough?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing for the past few weeks and I just pulled out their winter clothes from the storage room and found a bunch of dark greenish spots on a few jackets in the back corner. The room has felt damp ever since the heavy rains we had in March. How urgently do I need to get this professionally treated, and is it likely the cause of their coughs?
Posted by Krzysztof Visser
Asked on April 5, 2026 6:48 pm
Based on your description, it is highly probable that the mold growth on the clothing is a contributing factor to your children's persistent cough. The dark greenish spots are indicative of active fungal colonization, likely of the Cladosporium or Penicillium/Aspergillus types, which are common in damp indoor environments. When disturbed, these molds release microscopic spores and mycotoxins into the air that, when inhaled, act as irritants and allergens, triggering respiratory symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and throat irritation.

The dampness you've noted in the storage room is the root cause. The heavy rains in March significantly increased ambient humidity, a common issue in the UAE. When this moist air infiltrates a poorly ventilated, cooler space like a storage room, it leads to condensation—creating the perfect environment for mold proliferation on organic materials like cotton and wool.

This situation requires prompt professional attention. Do not attempt to clean the clothes yourself, as agitating the mold will aerosolize a high concentration of spores, exacerbating the indoor air quality issue and your children's exposure. The entire storage area must be inspected to assess the extent of the hidden contamination, potentially within walls or under flooring.

We strongly recommend a certified mold inspection. Our specialists at Saniservice use thermal imaging and moisture meters to identify the moisture source and air sampling to quantify spore levels, all in line with Dubai Municipality's public health guidelines. Following the assessment, a contained remediation and hygienization plan will be executed to safely remove the contamination and address the humidity problem, often with recommendations for improved ventilation or dehumidification systems suited for our climate.

For your family's health, please contact us for a professional evaluation. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 7, 2026 5:53 am