Could damp wall mold cause my kids' constant cough?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past month and we can't figure out why. I finally pulled out the sofa in our Deira apartment to find a lost toy and discovered a huge patch of black mold all along the wall behind it. The wall actually feels damp. Could this mold be the reason for their constant coughs and sore throats?
Posted by Akiko Kimura
Asked on May 6, 2026 9:10 am
Yes, the damp wall mold is very likely the cause of your children's persistent coughs and sore throats. Exposure to mold spores, particularly from a large, damp patch like you've described, is a common trigger for respiratory irritation. The constant coughing is the body's reaction to inhaling these microscopic particles.

In Dubai's climate, this is a frequent issue. The high humidity, especially combined with year-round AC use, creates perfect conditions for mold behind furniture or on exterior walls where cold surfaces meet warm, moist air. This condensation provides the dampness mold needs to grow. The wall feeling damp confirms an active moisture problem that must be addressed.

For your family's health, this requires immediate action. First, limit exposure. Keep the children out of that room and improve air circulation by opening windows if outdoor humidity is low. Do not attempt to scrub the mold yourself, as this can aerosolize a high concentration of spores. The moisture source must be identified and fixed; it could be a hidden plumbing leak, capillary rising damp, or condensation from thermal bridging.

You need a professional mold inspection to assess the full extent, both on the surface and potentially inside the wall cavity. They can identify the mold species and provide a protocol for safe remediation. For a case of this severity with health symptoms already present, lab testing of the mold is advisable to inform the cleanup process. Once the mold is properly removed and the moisture issue resolved, you should see a significant improvement in your children's symptoms.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 7, 2026 7:40 am