Mold in clothes causing kids' persistent coughs?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, mold on stored clothing is a very likely cause of persistent coughing, especially in children. The damp, musty smell confirms active microbial growth, and inhaling the spores released when you disturbed the items can directly irritate the respiratory tract, causing exactly the symptoms you describe.

In Dubai's climate, this is a common issue. Storage areas like cupboards under stairs are prone to condensation from temperature differences and high humidity, creating a perfect environment for mold, especially on organic materials like cotton and wool.

Immediately isolate the affected items by sealing them in plastic bags to prevent further spore dispersal. Do not attempt to shake or vacuum them, as this will aerosolize more spores. For your children's health, a professional inspection is strongly recommended to assess the full extent of the contamination within the cupboard and any surrounding areas, like the wall behind it.

The safest remediation approach depends on the scale. For a limited number of items, professional mold remediation companies can often clean and sanitize them using specialized equipment like ozone chambers or dry steam, which can salvage valuable clothing. For extensively damaged, low-value items, disposal is the safest option. Crucially, the source of moisture in the storage area must be identified and resolved, often through improved ventilation or a dehumidifier, to prevent recurrence. Given the health impact, a company with a microbiology lab can identify the mold species from a sample, which helps determine the best cleaning method and any specific health risks.