Is mold causing my kids' cough? First step?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past month and I’m starting to panic. I just pulled back the corner of the carpet in our bedroom in Jumeirah and found a huge patch of black, fuzzy mold underneath, probably from a slow AC leak we never noticed. We’ve been sleeping right next to this. Could this mold be causing their respiratory issues and what’s the absolute first step I should take to deal with it safely?
Posted by Xiao Zhang
Asked on May 21, 2026 12:45 am
Yes, the black mold under your carpet is very likely contributing to your children's persistent cough. In Dubai's climate, AC condensation leaks are a common hidden issue, and the resulting dampness creates ideal conditions for mold growth. The fuzzy black appearance suggests active growth, and breathing these spores nightly can cause significant respiratory irritation, allergic reactions, and exacerbate asthma, especially in children.

Your absolute first step is to isolate the area immediately. Close the bedroom door, avoid disturbing the mold further (as this releases more spores), and move your family to another room to sleep. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach or other store-bought solutions, as improper handling can make the situation worse by aerosolizing toxins.

The next critical step is to identify and stop the moisture source. This is almost certainly a condensate drain line leak from your AC unit, which is extremely common here due to the year-round AC use. A professional inspection is essential to confirm the mold type, assess the extent of the damage behind walls or under flooring, and locate the precise origin of the water intrusion.

For a case of this severity with health symptoms already present, professional remediation is strongly advised. Look for a provider that uses containment barriers, HEPA filtration air scrubbers to capture spores during work, and can provide a post-remediation verification test from an independent lab to confirm the air quality is safe before you move back in. This documented result is your proof that the issue has been resolved properly.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 21, 2026 8:03 pm