Is mold causing my kids' constant coughing and headaches?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, the mold you found is very likely contributing to your children's persistent coughing and headaches. The damp wall behind the sofa bed is a classic breeding ground, and the continuous AC use, while cooling the air, may not be effectively removing the humidity, which is a common issue in Deira's older buildings.

The symptoms you describe—non-stop coughing and headaches—are typical reactions to mold spore exposure, especially in children who are more sensitive. The AC might be recirculating these spores throughout the room, exacerbating the issue even if the unit itself isn't the source.

The fastest and safest way to deal with this is a two-step process. First, for immediate safety, move the children to a different, well-ventilated room and avoid disturbing the mold patch yourself, as this will release a large number of spores. Do not attempt a large-scale cleanup with bleach, as this is often ineffective on porous surfaces and can create dangerous fumes.

Second, you need a professional inspection and remediation. This is a serious case given the size of the growth and the health symptoms. In the UAE, reputable remediation companies should follow standards like the IICRC S520. They will contain the area, safely remove the contaminated materials, and use HEPA filtration to clear the air. The most critical step they provide is identifying and fixing the source of the dampness—often condensation from AC ducts, a leaking pipe within the wall, or inadequate room ventilation—to prevent it from returning. After remediation, a third-party clearance test, typically involving air sampling analyzed by a microbiology lab, is the only way to verify the environment is safe again for your family.