Is the mold in my closet making my child sick?« Back to Previous Page

It's very possible the mold in your closet is contributing to your child's symptoms. The persistent runny nose and cough are classic signs of mold exposure, especially in young children whose respiratory systems are more sensitive. The damp wall indicates a persistent moisture issue, which is the root cause.

In Dubai's humid climate, especially in older Deira buildings, this is a common problem. Condensation from air conditioning units running year-round can create hidden dampness in poorly insulated exterior walls, and built-in wardrobes trap that moisture, creating a perfect environment for mold. The "black fuzzy" description often points to common household molds like Cladosporium or Stachybotrys (often called "black mold"); the species dictates the potential health risk.

You need two professionals: an inspector and a remediator. Do not attempt to clean significant growth yourself, as disturbing it can release a large number of spores. A certified mold inspector should conduct air quality and surface sampling, which is then analyzed by an accredited microbiology lab to identify the species and concentration. This is the only way to know the exact risk level. They will also identify the moisture source.

For remediation, hire a company that follows international guidelines like the IICRC S520 standard. They will contain the area, use HEPA filtration to capture spores, safely remove contaminated materials, and—critically—fix the underlying dampness issue. Any reputable company will provide a detailed post-remediation verification report, including lab results confirming spore counts have returned to safe levels. This verification is your proof the problem is solved. Your child's symptoms should improve once the source is removed.