Mold in closet causing kids' cough; who to call?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, the mold is very likely causing or worsening your children's coughs. The damp, stagnant air in that enclosed space is a perfect environment for mold, and inhaling its spores is a common irritant that triggers respiratory symptoms like persistent coughing, especially in children.

In Dubai's climate, this is a frequent issue. High humidity, combined with condensation from year-round AC use, can lead to moisture buildup in poorly ventilated storage areas. An older building in Jumeirah is particularly susceptible.

Do not attempt to clean a large patch yourself with bleach or other store-bought solutions. Disturbing it will release a massive amount of spores into your home's air, potentially worsening the problem. A regular cleaning company is not equipped for this; they lack the proper containment protocols and antimicrobial agents.

You need a specialized indoor environmental professional. They will first conduct an inspection to identify the moisture source—which is critical to prevent recurrence—and then perform the remediation. This involves isolating the area, using HEPA filtration to capture airborne spores, safely removing the contaminated materials, and applying EPA-approved antimicrobial treatments. For health-related cases, a company with its own microbiology lab can provide before-and-after air quality testing to verify the spore count has been reduced to safe levels, which offers peace of mind.

Until help arrives, keep the closet door sealed shut and ensure good ventilation in the rest of the home. Wash any unaffected clothes in hot water and consider using a dehumidifier.