Could mold be causing our family's constant coughs?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, mold could definitely be contributing to your family's constant coughs and runny noses. The symptoms you describe—persistent respiratory irritation that began after a period of vacancy—are very common with mold exposure, especially in children. The damp feeling and visible black spots in the closet are strong indicators.

In Dubai's climate, this is a frequent issue. High humidity and year-round AC use create perfect conditions for mold, particularly in poorly ventilated areas like closets storing textiles. The AC itself can spread mold spores from one location throughout the entire home's air supply.

For a proper inspection, you need a professional who uses diagnostic tools beyond a visual check. A legitimate inspector will use a moisture meter to find hidden dampness inside walls and an air sampler to test spore levels in your home's air, comparing them to the outdoor baseline. This is critical because the problem is often what you can't see.

Avoid companies that offer free inspections if they immediately push for expensive remediation. A credible inspector should provide a detailed report with their findings first. They may recommend lab analysis of an air or tape-lift sample to identify the specific mold species, which determines the appropriate remediation strategy.

Given the health symptoms and visible growth, a professional assessment is the right next step to identify the source and extent of the problem.