Could hidden black mold cause my 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 finally pulled our sofa away from the wall in our Jumeirah villa and found a huge patch of black mold hidden behind it, probably from a slow leak we never noticed. We've been sleeping and playing in this room every day. Could this mold be the reason for their constant coughs and runny noses, and is it dangerous?
Posted by Francois Lewandowski
Asked on April 25, 2026 6:55 am
Yes, hidden black mold is very likely contributing to your children's constant coughs and runny noses. The spores released by mold colonies are a known respiratory irritant, and children are particularly susceptible due to their smaller airways and developing immune systems. The persistent symptoms you describe, especially worsening in that specific room, are a classic indicator of exposure.

In Dubai's humid climate, this scenario is common. Condensation from AC units or slow, hidden leaks behind walls or furniture create the perfect damp environment for mold to thrive, often out of sight. The species is important—while many black molds are irritants, some can produce more concerning mycotoxins. Only a professional inspection and lab analysis can identify the specific type and concentration, which is crucial for understanding the health risk and planning the correct remediation.

You should arrange for a professional mold inspection. They will assess the full extent of the growth, which is often more widespread than the initial patch suggests, especially if it's behind a wall. For the health of your family, avoid disturbing the area yourself, as this can release a large cloud of spores. Focus on improving ventilation in the room immediately and consider using a portable HEPA air purifier to help reduce the airborne spore count while you await assessment. Proper remediation will involve fixing the moisture source, removing the contaminated materials, and cleaning the air to return your indoor environment to a healthy state.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 26, 2026 2:35 pm