Could hidden mold cause our month-long coughing?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, hidden mold like the patch you found is a very common cause of persistent respiratory issues, especially in children. The constant coughing you describe is a classic symptom of exposure to mold spores, which become airborne and are inhaled. The damp, dark space behind furniture against a wall in a Deira apartment is a prime location for growth, often due to condensation from AC units or unnoticed seepage from bathroom or kitchen plumbing.

Given the climate here, with high humidity and year-round AC use creating condensation, this is a frequent issue. The first step is to stop the moisture source. Identify and repair that leak immediately. For a patch that large and after two years of growth, professional remediation is strongly advised. Disturbing it yourself can release a massive amount of spores, worsening the air quality and your family's symptoms.

Do not attempt to clean it with bleach, as this can exacerbate the problem. The priority is containment. A proper remediation team will isolate the area, use HEPA filtration to capture spores, and remove the contaminated materials. Following removal, a post-remediation verification test, like an air quality test compared to an outdoor control sample, is the only way to confirm the space is safe. This is a standard practice for reputable companies in the UAE.

For your children's health, consult a physician and inform them of the mold discovery. In the meantime, improve air circulation in the room and keep the family away from the affected area until professionals can assess it.