Is Dubai mold making my toddler sick?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived in our Jumeirah villa for two years and just noticed a patch of black mold in the corner of my toddler's bedroom closet, probably from a slow leak in the en-suite bathroom. He's been having a persistent runny nose and a cough that won't go away for the last month, and I'm starting to panic that it's connected. What are the specific health risks for young children here in Dubai, and should I take him to a doctor immediately for testing?
Posted by Lakshmi Dubey
Asked on May 23, 2026 4:40 am
It is very possible the mold is contributing to your toddler's symptoms. In Dubai's humid climate, the most common indoor molds (like Cladosporium or Aspergillus) are known irritants that can cause persistent runny noses, coughing, and congestion, particularly in young children whose respiratory systems are still developing. The constant use of AC can also spread these spores throughout the room.

You should schedule a visit with your pediatrician. Explain the mold exposure and your child's ongoing symptoms. They can determine if the cough is allergy-related or something else, and rule out other common causes. There is no specific test for "mold sickness," but they can assess his respiratory health.

For the home, this requires immediate action. The black patch indicates a moisture issue, which is the core problem. First, identify and repair the leak from the en-suite—this is non-negotiable. Until a professional inspection and remediation can be arranged, keep the closet door closed and the toddler out of that room as much as possible. Do not attempt to scrub it yourself, as this can aerosolize harmful spores.

Given it's a child's bedroom and the mold is visible, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. They can assess the extent of the growth (often more is hidden inside the wall) and perform air quality testing to identify the spore types and concentration. A reputable Dubai-based company with its own microbiology lab can provide the concrete data you need to understand the risk level and guide the remediation process.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 23, 2026 9:14 pm