Could bathroom mold cause my kids' persistent cough?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing for the past couple of weeks and I've just found patches of black mold behind the toilet in our master bathroom. It's a windowless bathroom in our apartment in Jumeirah and always feels a bit damp, but this is the first time I'm seeing the actual mold. Could this be the reason for their persistent coughs and should I be really worried about their health?
Posted by Fahad Al-Mansour
Asked on March 19, 2026 5:41 pm
Based on the symptoms you've described and the presence of black mold in a damp, windowless bathroom, it is highly plausible that the mold is contributing to your children's persistent cough. The damp conditions you mentioned are a classic breeding ground for mold spores, which become airborne and are easily inhaled. In sensitive individuals, especially children, this can irritate the respiratory tract, leading to coughing, wheezing, and other allergic-type reactions.

The climate in Dubai is a significant contributing factor. The high ambient humidity, combined with the constant use of air conditioning, creates massive condensation issues within buildings. This condensation often accumulates in poorly ventilated areas like bathrooms, behind toilets, and within wall cavities, providing the perfect moisture source for mold growth like the patches you've discovered.

You should be concerned, as prolonged exposure can exacerbate respiratory issues. In the UAE, property owners and landlords have a responsibility under Dubai Municipality regulations to maintain a habitable and healthy living environment, which includes addressing moisture and mold problems.

Given that you have visible mold and associated health symptoms, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. DIY removal is not advised for health-related cases, as improper handling can aerosolize a high concentration of spores, worsening the problem. A certified inspector can conduct air and surface sampling to identify the mold species and spore concentration, which is critical for understanding the health risk and planning an effective remediation strategy.

For a thorough assessment and safe remediation, I recommend contacting our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection. Our process includes identifying the moisture source, containing the area, safely removing the contamination, and providing solutions like improved ventilation to prevent recurrence.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 21, 2026 2:54 am