Mold in storage causing kids' persistent cough?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, mold in your storage room is a very plausible cause for your children's persistent cough. The damp, earthy smell confirms active microbial growth, and the fuzzy black spots are the visible colonies. When disturbed, these molds release spores and mycotoxins into the air, which are inhaled and act as powerful irritants, triggering coughing, wheezing, and allergy-like symptoms, especially in children.

Given Dubai's high humidity and the condensation that can build up in closed, unused spaces like storage rooms—even with AC running elsewhere—this environment is a perfect breeding ground. The problem is likely systemic within that enclosed space.

Do not attempt to clean this yourself. Disturbing the mold will aerosolize a massive amount of spores, potentially making your children's respiratory issues significantly worse. For a contamination of this visible scale, the safest approach is professional remediation.

The process should start with a certified inspection to identify the mold species and the full extent of the moisture problem, which is often hidden behind walls or under flooring. Remediation involves sealing off the area, using HEPA-filtered negative air pressure to contain spores, safely removing all contaminated porous materials (like those clothes and possibly boxes or drywall), and thoroughly HEPA-vacuuming and cleaning all surfaces.

After remediation, the root cause—the moisture—must be fixed. This often requires improving ventilation, using a dedicated dehumidifier for that room, and ensuring your AC system is properly balanced to prevent condensation. Only a company with verifiable certifications and who provides before-and-after lab testing can confirm the environment has been returned to a safe, healthy state. For your children's health, this is a situation that requires professional assessment and containment.