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

My kids have been coughing and sneezing non-stop for a couple of weeks, and I’m starting to panic. I just pulled out a winter blanket from the storage cupboard in our Jumeirah villa and found a huge patch of black mold on the wall behind it, which must have been growing since the humidity spiked. The whole room has a damp, earthy smell I can’t get rid of. How do I safely clean this myself without making our health worse, or should I just call a professional company right away?
Posted by Hannah Smith
Asked on March 29, 2026 4:15 pm
It is very likely the mold is contributing to your children's persistent coughing and sneezing. Mold releases spores and microscopic particles that are common respiratory irritants, particularly for children whose systems are more sensitive. The damp, earthy smell confirms active growth and that these particles are airborne in the room.

For a hidden patch large enough to cause a persistent odor, DIY cleaning is not recommended. Disturbing it without proper containment will aerosolize a high concentration of spores, potentially making the health issues much worse for your entire family. The high humidity in Dubai, especially in less-ventilated storage areas, creates a perfect environment for this rapid regrowth even if you wipe the visible part away.

In a villa in Jumeirah, the moisture source could be a small plumbing leak, condensation from AC ducts running through the space, or moisture wicking through the wall from outside. A professional inspection is needed to identify and address this root cause; otherwise, the mold will return. Reputable remediation companies in Dubai follow international guidelines for containment, using HEPA filtration to remove spores from the air safely and antimicrobial treatments to prevent regrowth. They can also provide a post-remediation verification test from an independent lab to confirm the air quality is safe, which is a critical step you cannot do yourself. For your family's health, calling a professional to assess and properly remediate is the safest course of action.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 1, 2026 10:40 am