Is mold in stored clothes causing family sickness?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, the mold on your stored clothes is very likely contributing to your family's persistent coughing and allergy symptoms. In Dubai's climate, enclosed spaces like under-stair cupboards are prime areas for mold growth due to high humidity and condensation, especially when AC airflow is restricted. The musty smell confirms active microbial growth, and disturbing it by pulling out the clothes has released a high concentration of spores into your home's air, which are respiratory irritants.

For your safety, do not attempt to clean heavily mold-infested items yourself. Agitating the mold releases more spores. For porous materials like blankets and sweaters with visible growth, disposal is often the safest option. The cupboard itself needs professional assessment and remediation to address the root moisture source and prevent recurrence.

This situation warrants a professional indoor environmental assessment. A certified inspector can identify the mold species (some, like Aspergillus, are common here and more problematic for allergies) and the exact moisture source—often condensation from AC ducts or a small, unnoticed leak. In villas, the problem can stem from external humidity seeping into less-ventilated spaces. Remediation should follow DHA-aligned guidelines, which include containment of the area and use of HEPA filtration to prevent cross-contamination. Addressing this at its source is crucial for your family's health, particularly for children.