Could mold under my rug cause my kids' cough?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past month and I'm starting to worry. I just pulled back the big rug in our living room here in our Jumeirah villa and found a huge patch of black, fuzzy mold underneath, probably from a slow leak I hadn't noticed. We've been running the AC constantly to combat the heat. Could this mold be the reason for their persistent coughs and sore throats, and what's the safest way to get it professionally cleaned here in Dubai?
Posted by Gary Scott
Asked on May 4, 2026 8:31 am
Yes, the mold under your rug is very likely contributing to your children's persistent coughs and sore throats. In Dubai's climate, where we run AC constantly, indoor air becomes recirculated, spreading mold spores from such a source throughout your villa. This exposure is a common irritant, especially for children, whose respiratory systems are more sensitive.

The safest approach is to arrange for a professional mold inspection and remediation. Do not attempt to clean a large patch yourself, as disturbing it will release a massive amount of spores into your air. In Dubai, reputable remediation companies follow IICRC S520 standards for containment, which involves sealing off the area with plastic sheeting and using HEPA-filtered negative air machines to prevent cross-contamination. They will safely remove the rug, treat the subfloor, and identify the moisture source—which is critical, as that slow leak must be repaired to prevent recurrence.

Given the symptoms, a post-remediation verification test is advisable to confirm the spore count in your living space has returned to a normal baseline. For health-specific advice, consulting a pediatrician and informing them of the mold exposure is also a prudent step.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 5, 2026 6:10 pm