Could mold in our storage room cause my kids' coughing?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, mold in your storage room is a very likely cause of your kids' persistent coughing. The symptoms you describe—non-stop coughing and worsened allergies—are classic reactions to mold exposure, particularly the mycotoxins and spores released into the air. The "damp, earthy smell" is a strong indicator of active microbial growth, and the black spots on leather and wool are a clear visual confirmation. In Dubai's climate, where high humidity and constant AC use can create condensation in unused spaces, this is a common issue in villas.

The safest first step is to isolate the room. Keep the door closed and the air conditioning vent sealed off to prevent spores from circulating into your home's main living areas. Do not attempt to clean the moldy items yourself, as disturbing the mold will release a massive cloud of spores that will exacerbate your children's symptoms. The leather jacket and wool blankets are likely unsalvageable and should be carefully bagged and discarded.

For cleaning the room itself, surface mold on walls can sometimes be addressed with a diluted vinegar or detergent solution, but this only addresses visible growth, not the spores now in the air or the root moisture problem. Given the health impact on your children, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. They can identify the moisture source (often a small AC leak or external water seepage common in older Jumeirah villas) and perform air quality testing to determine the spore concentration. Remediation involves containing the area, using HEPA air scrubbers to filter the air, and removing contaminated porous materials. Until the source is fixed, the mold will almost certainly return.