Mold in Dubai villa causing kids' constant cough?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past month and I’m starting to panic. I’ve just pulled our winter clothes out of the storage cupboard in our Jumeirah villa and found a bunch of jackets and blankets covered in black and green fuzzy spots. The room has a really damp, earthy smell. Could this mold be the reason for their constant cold-like symptoms and what’s the safest way to deal with it all?
Posted by William Martin
Asked on April 24, 2026 8:50 pm
Yes, the mold on your winter clothes is very likely contributing to your children's persistent cough and cold-like symptoms. In Dubai's high humidity, especially in enclosed spaces like storage cupboards, mold spores thrive and become airborne irritants. When inhaled, these spores can cause respiratory issues, particularly in children who are more sensitive.

The damp, earthy smell confirms active microbial growth. Do not attempt to clean heavily mold-infested textiles yourself, as disturbing them will aerosolize more spores. For porous items like blankets and jackets, disposal is often the safest option. For the cupboard, a professional inspection is strongly recommended to assess the extent of the contamination behind walls or under flooring, which is common in villas here.

A proper assessment involves moisture mapping and often air or surface sampling sent to an accredited microbiology lab to identify the species. This is crucial, as some types like Aspergillus pose higher health risks. Remediation should be handled by certified professionals who use containment procedures to prevent cross-contamination to other areas of your home. To prevent recurrence, address the source of humidity—often condensation from AC ducts or a leak—and consider using dedicated dehumidifiers or humidity-controlled storage solutions.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 27, 2026 7:36 pm