Could hidden mold cause my kids' persistent coughs?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past three weeks and we can't figure out why. I finally pulled our sofa away from the wall in our Deira apartment and found a huge patch of black mold hidden behind it, probably from a slow AC leak we never noticed. It's right where they always sit to watch TV. Could this mold be the reason for their persistent coughs and sore throats?
Posted by Francesco Ferrari
Asked on April 21, 2026 2:00 am
Yes, the hidden mold behind your sofa is very likely causing your children's persistent coughs and sore throats. Black mold exposure commonly triggers respiratory irritation, allergic reactions, and asthma-like symptoms, especially in children who are more sensitive. The location right where they sit means they are consistently inhaling the highest concentration of spores.

In Dubai's humid climate, this scenario is unfortunately common. Air conditioning units, particularly older ones in Deira apartments, are prone to developing condensation leaks inside walls. This creates a dark, damp environment where mold thrives unseen for months. The constant year-round AC use cycles this contaminated air throughout your home.

You need to address this immediately for their health. Do not attempt to clean a large patch yourself, as this can aerosolize a massive number of spores and worsen the problem. The first step is to identify and fix the moisture source, which is almost certainly the AC leak.

For a situation of this scale and with health symptoms already present, a professional inspection is strongly advised. They can properly assess the extent of the growth inside the wall cavity, identify the mold species, and execute a containment and removal protocol that prevents cross-contamination. A company with its own microbiology lab can provide tangible proof that the problem has been resolved to a healthy standard through post-remediation verification testing.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 23, 2026 6:47 am