Can mold in blankets cause my toddler's persistent cough?« Back to Previous Page

Our 3-year-old has been having a persistent cough for the last couple of weeks, and I’m starting to panic. I just pulled out a few winter blankets from the storage cupboard in our Jumeirah villa and found a bunch of them covered in black spots. The rainy weather last month must have made the air really damp. Could this mold be the cause of his cough, and what’s the safest way to clean everything without making the problem worse for him?
Posted by Francois Ferrari
Asked on March 21, 2026 9:45 pm
Based on my professional experience in mold inspection and remediation in Dubai, yes, the mold on your blankets is a very likely cause of your toddler's persistent cough. Children are particularly vulnerable to mold exposure, which can irritate the respiratory tract, leading to coughing, wheezing, and other allergic-type symptoms.

The black spots you describe are indicative of a mold colony, likely Cladosporium or Stachybotrys (black mold), both of which are common in the UAE's humid climate. The recent rainy weather significantly increases indoor humidity levels, especially in less-ventilated storage areas, creating the perfect environment for mold growth on organic materials like cotton or wool blankets.

For the safety of your family, I strongly advise against attempting to clean these mold-infested blankets yourself. Aggressive cleaning methods can aerosolize the microscopic spores, drastically increasing their concentration in the air your son breathes and exacerbating his respiratory issues. The only safe way to handle heavily contaminated porous materials is through professional hygienization or, more often, disposal.

The situation in your Jumeirah villa warrants a professional assessment. The mold in the cupboard is a visible sign of a moisture problem that has likely affected other areas. Our certified inspectors use moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to identify the source of dampness—often condensation from AC units or residual moisture from the rains—and take air samples to determine the spore count in your living environment.

For a thorough inspection and a safe remediation plan that prioritizes your toddler's health, please contact our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an assessment.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 23, 2026 12:32 am