Could black mold be causing my kids' persistent cough?« Back to Previous Page

Based on your description, it is highly probable that the black spots in the closet and your children's persistent cough are related. In the humid climate of Dubai, especially during summer and in older villas in areas like Al Barsha, conditions are ideal for mold growth. The constant use of AC can create significant condensation issues if the units are not properly maintained or if there are insulation flaws in the building envelope, leading to dampness behind walls and in concealed spaces like closets.

The black spots you describe are likely Stachybotrys chartarum, commonly known as toxic black mold. This type of mold produces mycotoxins that, when airborne, are respiratory irritants and can cause persistent coughing, wheezing, and other allergic reactions, particularly in children whose immune systems are still developing. The damp smell you noticed two weeks ago is a classic indicator of an active microbial colony.

For your family's safety, I strongly recommend against disturbing the area, as this can aerosolize the spores. Do not attempt to clean it with bleach, as this is ineffective on porous surfaces and can exacerbate the problem. The fastest and safest way to deal with this is to engage a professional mold inspection and remediation company.

In the UAE, companies like ours, Saniservice, are equipped to conduct a comprehensive inspection that includes moisture mapping and air quality testing to identify the full extent of the contamination, which is often far greater than what is visible. Remediation must be performed under containment to prevent cross-contamination, using industrial-grade HEPA filtration and antimicrobial agents, in accordance with international IICRC standards.

To ensure your children's health is protected, please contact us immediately for a professional assessment. You can call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.