Mold in closet causing kids' cough - remove safely ourselves?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, the mold in your closet is very likely contributing to your children's persistent cough and cold-like symptoms. In Dubai's humid climate, closets on exterior walls or those storing damp items (like winter clothes that weren't completely dry before storage) are prime spots for mold growth. The constant air conditioning creates temperature differentials that lead to condensation, providing the moisture mold needs to thrive.

For your safety, do not attempt to clean this yourself. Disturbing the mold will release a massive amount of spores into your home's air, potentially worsening your children's respiratory issues. The black and green fuzzy growth indicates a significant colony that requires professional handling.

The safest initial step is to isolate the area. Keep the closet door closed and limit access to the room, especially for the children. Improve ventilation in the master bedroom by running an exhaust fan if available. You will need a certified mold inspector to conduct air quality and surface sampling. This is critical because the visible growth is often just the "bloom" – the actual root structure (mycelium) can penetrate deep into walls, clothing, and shoes. A professional assessment, often involving a lab culture, will identify the species and the full extent of the contamination to guide the correct remediation protocol.

Proper remediation involves containing the area with physical barriers, using HEPA-filtered negative air machines to prevent spore spread, and safely disposing of heavily contaminated porous materials like those clothes and shoes. After removal, the underlying cause of the moisture must be identified and resolved to prevent it from returning. For a situation of this scale with health symptoms already present, professional remediation is strongly advised to ensure it is resolved safely and completely.