Could black mold from my shower cause my kids' coughing?« Back to Previous Page

Black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) under silicone sealant is a known respiratory irritant and could certainly be contributing to your children's persistent coughing. In a humid, enclosed bathroom without adequate ventilation, these spores become aerosolized and are easily inhaled, often worsening allergy and asthma symptoms, particularly in children.

For a situation of this severity, self-cleaning is not recommended. Disturbing the mold without proper containment will release a high concentration of spores into your apartment's air, potentially exacerbating the health issues. The underlying cause—trapped moisture behind the seal—must also be addressed to prevent immediate regrowth.

In Dubai's climate, where high humidity and constant AC use create perfect conditions for mold, a professional assessment is advised. They will safely contain the area, remove the contaminated sealant, remediate the mold at its source, and identify the moisture issue. A post-remediation verification test, ideally from an independent lab, is the only way to confirm the air quality is safe again for your family.