Could mold in my Dubai home cause kids' coughing?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, the mold you found could absolutely be causing your children's persistent coughing. In Dubai's humid climate, mold growth in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces like storage cupboards is very common. The damp earth smell confirms active microbial growth. When disturbed, mold releases spores and microscopic fragments into the air, which are easily inhaled and are a known irritant to the respiratory tract, particularly in children.

For a situation of this scale, with visible growth and a musty odor, professional inspection is strongly recommended before any cleaning is attempted. Disturbing the mold yourself can aerosolize a high concentration of spores throughout your home, potentially worsening the symptoms. A certified inspector can identify the species—often Aspergillus or Cladosporium here, not always "toxic black mold"—and assess the extent of the problem behind walls or under flooring. They should provide a detailed report with lab results from a certified microbiology lab, which is the standard for a proper assessment in the UAE.

The safest initial step is to isolate the area. Keep the cupboard closed and restrict your children's access. Increase ventilation in the home by running exhaust fans and keeping windows open when outdoor humidity is lower. Ultimately, remediation involves physically removing the contaminated materials (like the clothes), HEPA vacuuming, and antimicrobial treatment of the structure. For a job of this nature, hiring a company that follows IICRC standards and can verify post-remediation air quality is the only way to ensure it is resolved safely.