Could this mold be making my kids sick in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

Mold in a damp, enclosed space like that cupboard can certainly be the cause of your children's persistent respiratory symptoms. The fuzzy black spots and earthy smell confirm active growth, and the runny nose and cough are classic reactions to mold spore inhalation, especially in children whose systems are more sensitive.

The Dubai climate creates perfect conditions for this. High humidity, combined with condensation from air conditioning systems, leads to dampness in poorly ventilated areas like storage cupboards. This is a very common issue in villas and apartments here. The mold likely grew during the more humid summer months while the items were in storage.

For your health and safety, start by isolating the area. Keep the cupboard closed and limit your children's access to that part of the house to prevent further exposure. Do not attempt to clean it yourself without proper PPE, as disturbing it will release a large cloud of spores into your home's air.

The most effective approach is a professional inspection. An expert can assess the full extent of the growth, identify the mold species (which determines the health risk), and locate the moisture source—whether it's a hidden leak, condensation, or external humidity seepage. For a case involving family health, a science-driven company with its own microbiology lab can provide a precise diagnosis through air and surface sampling, which is crucial for effective remediation. They will then outline a safe containment and removal plan to handle the affected materials and treat the space to prevent recurrence, which is key in our climate.