Could this bedroom mold be causing my child's cough?« Back to Previous Page
|
We've lived in our villa in Al Barsha for 2 years and just noticed a bunch of black spots spreading on the back of our bedroom wardrobe, which is on an exterior wall. With the humidity lately, the room has felt really damp even with the AC running constantly. My youngest has been waking up with a stuffy nose and a cough that clears up by afternoon. Could this mold be the cause of her symptoms, and what’s the first thing we should do to handle it safely?
|
|
Yes, the mold is very likely contributing to your child's cough and congestion. Her symptoms appearing at night and clearing during the day strongly suggest an environmental trigger in the bedroom. Mold releases spores and microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) that are common irritants, especially for children whose respiratory systems are still developing.
The first step is to limit her exposure. Keep the bedroom door closed and avoid disturbing the mold, as this can release more spores into the air. Do not attempt to clean it with bleach, as this can worsen airborne particles and often only bleaches the visible growth without addressing the root cause. The dampness on your exterior wall points to condensation, a frequent issue in Dubai's climate where high outdoor humidity meets cold AC-cooled surfaces. You should arrange for a professional mold inspection. A certified inspector can identify the moisture source—likely interstitial condensation within the wall cavity—and assess the extent of the growth you can't see. They will typically use a moisture meter and may recommend air or surface sampling to identify the mold species, which is crucial for understanding potential health risks and planning the correct remediation method. Proper remediation involves fixing the moisture intrusion, isolating the area, and removing the contaminated materials safely. |
Please log in to post questions/answers: