Mold under carpet causing family's persistent cough?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, that black mold under your carpet is very likely the cause of your family's persistent cough and scratchy throat. In Dubai's climate, a slow AC leak creates a perpetually damp, dark environment—the perfect breeding ground for mold. The spores become airborne and are inhaled, leading to the exact respiratory irritation you're describing.

For a patch that large, especially with active health symptoms, professional remediation is strongly advised. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as disturbing it will release a massive cloud of spores throughout your home. The fastest and safest way to deal with it is to first have a certified inspector identify the moisture source and the mold type. They will then contain the area, safely remove the contaminated carpet and underpad, treat the subfloor, and use HEPA filtration to clear the air.

In the UAE, look for a provider that follows IICRC S520 standards for mold remediation. The entire process, from inspection to post-remediation verification, should be documented. For health-related cases like yours, a company with its own microbiology lab can provide the crucial step of identifying the specific species through culture testing, which confirms the problem is resolved and informs the remediation strategy. Once the mold is professionally removed and the leak fixed, your symptoms should subside.