Is bathtub mold causing my kids' coughing?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing and sneezing non-stop for the past month, and I'm starting to panic. I've just pulled back the silicone sealant around our bathtub in our Jumeirah apartment and found a ton of black, fuzzy mold growing underneath it. The bathroom doesn't have a window and the extractor fan is really weak, so it never fully dries out. Could this mold be the cause of their respiratory issues, and what's the fastest way to fix this for good?
Posted by Jennifer Jones
Asked on April 15, 2026 2:30 am
Based on your description, it is highly probable that the mold growth under your bathtub sealant is a significant contributor to your children's persistent coughing and sneezing. The black, fuzzy mold is likely Stachybotrys chartarum (often called "black mold") or Aspergillus, both of which are known to produce mycotoxins and allergens that cause severe respiratory irritation, especially in children whose immune systems are still developing.

The conditions in your Jumeirah apartment are a textbook case for mold proliferation. The combination of Dubai's high ambient humidity and a bathroom with inadequate ventilation creates a perpetual moisture trap. The weak extractor fan fails to evacuate steam from showers, leading to condensation on walls and, critically, within wall cavities and behind fixtures. This trapped moisture, combined with year-round air conditioning which can create cool surfaces, provides the perfect environment for mold to thrive unseen.

Attempting a DIY removal on this scale is not advisable. Disturbing the mold colony releases a massive concentration of spores and mycotoxins into your indoor air, potentially exacerbating the health issues. The remediation process requires professional containment, HEPA filtration air scrubbers to capture airborne spores, and specialized antimicrobial agents to treat the area and prevent recurrence. Furthermore, the underlying moisture issue must be addressed by repairing or upgrading the ventilation system to meet Dubai Municipality's standards for indoor air quality and building health.

For a situation this severe, with clear health impacts, a professional inspection and remediation are imperative. I strongly recommend you contact our certified team at Saniservice for an immediate assessment. We can conduct air quality testing to identify the spore types and concentration, execute a safe, contained remediation, and provide solutions for improving your bathroom's ventilation.

Please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection. Your family's health is the priority.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 17, 2026 10:04 am