Moldy clothes causing my kids' cough?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, mold on stored clothes is a very likely cause of persistent coughing and cold-like symptoms in children. In Dubai's climate, closed storage rooms with no ventilation become perfect breeding grounds for mold due to high humidity and condensation from temperature fluctuations. The mold you see releases microscopic spores into the air, which are then inhaled and can irritate the respiratory system.

Your first step is to remove the children from the affected area immediately and stop using the storage room. Do not attempt to clean the moldy clothes yourself, as agitating them will release a large cloud of spores. Instead, seal the contaminated items in plastic bags for professional assessment and disposal or specialized cleaning.

For a situation of this visible extent, especially with ongoing health symptoms, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. DIY tests are not reliable. A proper inspection involves air quality testing to identify spore types and concentration levels throughout your home, not just the storage room. This is crucial because spores travel through AC systems. In Dubai, look for a provider that uses a certified microbiology lab for analysis, as this provides the evidence needed to guide an effective remediation plan.

Until the inspection, increase ventilation in your home by running exhaust fans and keeping interior doors open. Ensure your AC filters are clean and consider using a portable HEPA air purifier in the children's bedrooms to help reduce airborne spore levels.