Found mold causing my kids' month-long cough?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, the mold is very likely contributing to your children's persistent cough. The heavy January rains significantly increased humidity levels in Dubai, creating ideal conditions for mold growth in enclosed spaces like wardrobes, especially when they contain organic materials like cotton or leather. The constant cough is a classic symptom of mold exposure, as spores become airborne and irritate the respiratory system.

Your first step is to isolate the area. Keep the wardrobe doors closed and restrict access to the bedroom to prevent spore dispersion. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as disturbing it will release a massive amount of spores into your home's air, potentially worsening the situation.

You need a professional mold inspection. In a case this severe, a visual assessment isn't enough. The inspector should take air and surface samples for lab analysis to identify the species. This is critical, as some types like Aspergillus can pose more serious health risks, and the lab report will guide the proper remediation protocol. Look for a provider with their own microbiology capabilities, as this allows for faster, more accurate species identification.

For remediation, the entire affected wall material behind the shelves will likely need to be removed and replaced under controlled conditions to prevent cross-contamination. Simultaneously, address the source of the moisture. After such significant rain, the issue could be a one-time water ingress through an external wall or a new, persistent condensation problem exacerbated by your AC's temperature settings. A proper inspection will identify this. Until the problem is fully resolved, using standalone dehumidifiers in the home can help lower the overall humidity and provide some relief.