Could mold in our Dubai villa cause kids' persistent cough?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, the mold in your storage cupboard could definitely be causing your children's persistent respiratory symptoms. In Dubai's high humidity, enclosed spaces like under-stair cupboards are prone to condensation and mold growth, especially on stored fabrics. The black spots are a clear indicator of an active problem. Common mold types like Cladosporium and Aspergillus, frequently identified here, are known irritants that can cause exactly the cough and runny nose you describe.

You should treat this seriously. Stop using that storage area immediately and remove the contaminated items, sealing them in plastic bags to prevent spreading spores. Increase ventilation in the area if possible. For a case with clear visible growth and health symptoms, a professional inspection is the necessary next step. They will use moisture meters and thermal imaging to find the dampness source—often a small plumbing leak or condensation from an AC duct—and take air/surface samples for a microbiology lab to identify the species and concentration. This lab report is critical, as it confirms the specific health risk and dictates the correct remediation protocol.

Do not attempt to clean significant growth yourself with bleach, as this can aerosolize spores and worsen the problem. Proper remediation involves containment, HEPA filtration, and antimicrobial treatment of the structure. Look for a provider that offers a full process: inspection, lab analysis, remediation plan, and a post-clearance test to verify the environment is safe. This science-driven approach is the standard for resolving health-related mold issues in UAE homes.