Mold in Dubai villa causing our cough and allergies?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, the mold in your storage cupboard is a very likely cause of the persistent cough and allergies in your family. The dampness you felt is the key indicator; mold releases spores and microscopic fragments into the air, which are irritants when inhaled. In Dubai's climate, this is a common issue in poorly ventilated spaces like storage rooms, where humidity from the air condenses on cooler surfaces, creating the perfect environment for mold growth on organic materials like cotton and wool.

For your health, remove the moldy clothes immediately, seal them in plastic bags, and wash them at a high temperature if salvageable. Do not attempt to clean visible mold yourself with bleach, as this can aerosolize the spores and worsen the problem. The room itself requires proper remediation.

Given the symptoms and extent of growth, a professional inspection is strongly advised. They can identify the moisture source—often condensation from AC ducting in the ceiling or a small leak—and assess the full scope. In a Dubai villa, the enclosed, dark space under stairs is a prime location for such issues. Remediation involves containing the area, safely removing contaminated materials, HEPA vacuuming, and applying antimicrobial solutions to prevent regrowth.

After remediation, control humidity in that space. A small, standalone dehumidifier can help, but addressing the root cause of the dampness is essential for a long-term solution.