Is mold in my cupboard causing my kids' cough?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing nonstop since the weather got humid last month, and I’m starting to panic. I just pulled out some winter clothes from the storage cupboard under our stairs in Jumeirah and found a bunch of jackets covered in black fuzzy spots. Could this mold in the cupboard be the reason for their allergies, and what’s the safest way to clean it without making them sick?
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It is very possible the mold in your cupboard is contributing to your children's persistent cough. The high humidity we've experienced is a classic trigger for mold growth in enclosed spaces like storage cupboards, especially in older Jumeirah villas. When mold spores become airborne, they are a common irritant that can cause coughing, congestion, and worsen allergy symptoms, particularly in children.
The safest approach is to not clean it yourself. Disturbing the mold will release a large cloud of spores into your home's air, which your AC system will then circulate, potentially making the situation much worse for your kids. For a small, contained area, you can carefully dampen the moldy items with a soapy water solution to suppress spores before bagging and disposing of them. However, the fact that it's on multiple items suggests a broader issue. This mold growth indicates a humidity problem in that cupboard, likely from condensation or a slight temperature difference from the surrounding walls. Simply removing the jackets won't solve the root cause, and the mold will likely return. The most effective step is to identify and address the source of moisture. A professional inspection can pinpoint why that specific space is humid—whether it's lack of ventilation, an external wall issue, or another factor—and recommend targeted solutions to keep it dry. For health concerns, consulting a pediatrician is always advised to rule out other causes. |
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