Could black mold in my Dubai apartment cause chronic coughing?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, black mold in your bathroom could certainly be the cause of your children's chronic coughing. The constant moisture from a pipe leak creates an ideal environment for mold growth, and the spores released into the air are a common irritant, particularly for children and those with respiratory sensitivities. This often manifests as persistent coughing, congestion, and worsened allergy symptoms.

In Dubai's humid climate, where we rely on year-round AC, mold behind a vanity can easily spread spores into the apartment's air supply. The first step is to stop the source of moisture; have a plumber repair the leak immediately. For a patch you describe as "huge," professional remediation is strongly advised. DIY cleaning on this scale often disperses spores more widely and is ineffective at addressing the root problem.

Proper remediation involves isolating the area, removing contaminated materials like drywall, and using HEPA filtration to clean the air. After remediation, the area must be kept completely dry. For health reassurance, a post-remediation verification test by an independent party is recommended to confirm the spore count has returned to normal indoor levels.

Given the symptoms and the extent of the growth, an inspection is warranted. In the UAE, landlords are typically responsible for fixing the leak and the resulting damage, as per the rental law. You should notify your building management or landlord in writing about the leak and mold to initiate the repair process.