Is black mold causing my kids' cough? Remove it myself?« Back to Previous Page

It's possible the mold is contributing to the coughing, especially if they have allergies or asthma. The damp, humid climate in Dubai creates ideal conditions for mold growth, particularly in closets on exterior walls where condensation can form from the constant AC use.

For a small patch (under one square meter), you can attempt cleaning with a dedicated mold remover. Bleach and vinegar are often ineffective on porous surfaces like drywall and can just bleach the visible surface, leaving the roots intact. The key is to identify and fix the moisture source—likely condensation from the AC duct running through that wall. Simply cleaning without fixing the leak will see it return quickly.

For anything larger, or if it's returning after cleaning, a professional assessment is strongly recommended. They can perform an indoor air quality test to confirm the mold type and spore count in the room, which is the only way to definitively link it to health symptoms. Remediation involves containment, HEPA vacuuming, and antimicrobial treatment to properly resolve it and prevent spores from spreading during cleanup. Dubai Municipality has guidelines for proper mold remediation to ensure it's handled safely.