Can bathroom mold in Dubai cause coughing in children?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's from the black mold that's been growing in the grout between our bathroom tiles. We live in a villa in Jumeirah and it started after that period of really heavy humidity a couple of months ago. I try to clean it with bleach but it just keeps coming back. Could this mold in our shower actually be making us sick, and what's the proper way to get rid of it for good in this climate?
Posted by Vijay Bose
Asked on April 14, 2026 12:35 pm
Bathroom mold can certainly cause coughing and respiratory irritation in children, especially those with sensitivities or allergies. The type commonly found in damp bathroom grout is often Cladosporium or Aspergillus, both of which release spores that can trigger coughing, congestion, and worsen asthma symptoms. The high humidity we experience in Dubai, particularly after rain or during summer months, creates an ideal environment for this mold to thrive and release these irritants into your indoor air.

Bleach is a surface disinfectant but often fails on porous materials like grout, as it doesn't address the root hyphae growing deep within. For a lasting solution, the moisture source must be controlled. Ensure your bathroom's exhaust fan is functional and runs for at least 30 minutes after showers. Wiping down wet tiles and squeegeeing glass doors immediately after use is critical. For cleaning, a dedicated EPA-approved fungicidal cleaner is more effective than bleach for porous surfaces.

If the mold returns persistently despite these measures, the issue may be behind the tiles or in the wall cavity, which is common in villas with persistent humidity. In such cases, a professional inspection is warranted to identify the extent of the colonization. Proper remediation involves containment, removal of affected materials if necessary, and application of antimicrobial agents, followed by verification through post-remediation testing to ensure the spore count in the air has returned to acceptable levels. This is the only way to be certain the problem is resolved for good.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 17, 2026 2:45 am