Urgent: black mold on jackets, danger to coughing kids?« Back to Previous Page

That sounds like a very stressful discovery, especially with your children already showing symptoms. The urgency is high, as this is likely active mold growth, and respiratory symptoms in kids are a significant indicator that the indoor air quality is compromised.

The black, fuzzy growth on your jackets is a clear sign of elevated humidity within that enclosed space. In Jumeirah, with our high ambient humidity and the condensation that can form on cooler interior walls, closets are prime locations for mold. The jackets themselves, made of organic materials like cotton or wool, provide a perfect food source. Given that your children have been coughing, it is strongly advised to assume this is more than a surface issue on the clothes; the spores are likely airborne and circulating.

Do not attempt to clean these jackets with vinegar or bleach yourself. Disturbing the mold by brushing or spraying it will aerosolize a high concentration of spores, potentially making the situation much worse for your family's airways. The affected jackets should be carefully sealed in plastic bags and removed from the living area until a professional can assess whether they can be salvaged with specialized cleaning.

This scenario requires a professional inspection. The mold on the jackets is a symptom; the cause is a humidity problem within the closet and potentially the entire room. A certified inspector can use a moisture meter to identify the source—often a combination of lack of air circulation, external wall condensation, or even a small, hidden leak. They can also perform air quality testing to identify the spore types and concentration levels, which is critical information, especially when health is already being affected. Addressing the root cause is the only way to prevent it from returning after cleanup.