Is mold causing my family's constant cough?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, the mold in your storage cupboard is a very likely cause of the persistent coughing. The damp, earthy smell confirms active microbial growth, and the types of mold commonly found on textiles and leather in humid environments are significant respiratory irritants.

In Dubai's climate, this is a frequent issue. Enclosed spaces like under-stair cupboards are prone to condensation from your AC's constant operation, creating a perfect damp environment for mold, especially on stored organic materials like cotton, wool, and leather. The spores become airborne when you disturb the items, and breathing them in causes inflammation, leading to chronic coughing, congestion, and worsened allergy symptoms, particularly in children.

Your first step is to immediately isolate the area. Keep the cupboard closed and restrict your children's access to prevent further exposure. Do not attempt to clean the items yourself with bleach or other household products, as improper agitation will aerosolize a massive amount of spores throughout your home.

For a situation of this scale with active health symptoms, a professional inspection is strongly advised. They can identify the exact species present—which is critical for understanding the health risk—and locate the moisture source, whether it's a condensation issue, a hidden leak, or poor ventilation. Remediation should be handled by a certified provider who uses containment procedures to prevent cross-contamination and can verify the environment is returned to a safe state with post-clearance testing. In the meantime, improve air circulation in your home and consider using dehumidifiers to help reduce ambient moisture levels.