Could black mold in my villa be causing our cough?« Back to Previous Page

It very well could be. Persistent coughing that doesn't resolve is a classic symptom of exposure to mold spores, especially in children who are more sensitive. The black spots behind the wardrobe are a major red flag; this is a common location for mold growth due to lack of air circulation and condensation from the exterior walls, which is exacerbated by Dubai's high humidity.

The combination of our climate's humidity and year-round AC use creates perfect conditions for mold. AC units themselves can become sources if not properly maintained, as the cold coils produce condensation that feeds mold growth, which is then circulated throughout the home.

For your family's health, this requires immediate action. Do not attempt to clean significant growth yourself, as improper scrubbing can aerosolize a massive amount of spores. Your first step is a professional indoor environmental assessment. This involves a certified inspector taking air and surface samples to be analyzed in a microbiology lab. This is the only way to definitively identify the mold species (like the notorious Stachybotrys, or "black mold") and confirm the spore count in your air is above normal levels.

The lab report will provide the evidence needed to guide the proper remediation process, which involves containment, safe removal of contaminated materials, and HEPA filtration to clean the air. Once the source is removed and humidity is controlled, the coughs should gradually subside. Look for providers who can show you verifiable, before-and-after lab data to confirm the issue is resolved.