Could mold in my apartment cause kids' persistent cough?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, the mold you discovered is very likely contributing to your children's persistent coughs and sore throats. In Dubai's climate, the constant use of air conditioning can create significant condensation and dampness in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces like storage cupboards. This trapped moisture is a primary cause of mold growth. The black mold you describe releases spores and microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) into the air, which are known irritants that can cause exactly the symptoms you're seeing—especially in children, who are more sensitive.

The damp feeling in the room confirms an ongoing moisture issue, meaning the mold is active and the air quality is compromised. You should immediately move the affected boxes and clothes out of that space to prevent further spore inhalation. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this can aerosolize the spores and worsen the problem. The wall cavity itself likely needs professional assessment to find and address the source of the dampness, which could be a small condensation leak from an AC pipe or simply a lack of airflow.

For a situation of this scale and with health symptoms already present, a professional inspection is strongly advised. They can identify the mold species and the extent of the problem, which is often wider than the visible patch. Remediation should follow Dubai Municipality guidelines for containment and removal to ensure spores are not spread throughout your apartment. Addressing the root moisture issue is the only way to prevent it from returning. Improving ventilation in that cupboard, perhaps with a small vent, can help long-term.