Is mold causing my kids' cough and headaches?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop and getting frequent headaches ever since the humidity spiked last month. I’ve just pulled out a storage box from the back of our walk-in wardrobe in Mirdif and found a whole corner covered in black, fuzzy mold. I’m really panicking about their health. Could this be the cause of their symptoms and what’s the safest way to clean it without making them sicker?
Posted by Patricia Robinson
Asked on April 19, 2026 8:25 pm
It is very possible the mold is contributing to your children's symptoms. Exposure to mold spores, especially in an enclosed space like a wardrobe, commonly causes respiratory irritation, persistent coughing, and headaches, particularly in children and those with sensitivities. The recent humidity spike creates the perfect environment for mold growth, even indoors with AC.

The safest approach is to not clean it yourself. Disturbing the mold will release a large number of spores into the air, which the AC system can then circulate throughout the home, potentially making the situation worse. For a growth of that size and given the health symptoms, a professional inspection is strongly recommended.

A proper assessment involves more than a visual check; it includes air quality testing to identify the spore types and concentration levels in your bedroom's air compared to the outside. This is the only way to confirm the extent of the problem and the specific health risks. In Dubai's climate, the root cause often stems from condensation buildup within AC units or hidden leaks in walls from humidity, not just the visible spot in the wardrobe.

Until a professional can assess, isolate the area. Keep the wardrobe door closed, ensure the room is well-ventilated when possible, and run any dehumidifier functions on your AC unit. The priority is to identify the moisture source and get a verified reading of your indoor air quality before any remediation begins.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 22, 2026 1:59 pm