Could mold in our apartment be causing our cough?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past month and we can't figure out why. I've just pulled out some winter clothes from the storage cupboard in our Jumeirah apartment and noticed a bunch of them have these black speckles all over them, and the whole room smells damp. Could this be mold making us sick, and how do I find a reliable company to test for it properly?
Posted by Manoj Mehta
Asked on May 19, 2026 4:15 pm
Yes, mold in your apartment could very well be causing that persistent cough. The black speckles on clothes and the damp smell from a storage cupboard are classic signs of a mold issue. In Dubai's climate, high humidity and condensation, especially in less ventilated spaces like storage rooms, create ideal conditions for mold growth. The spores released by mold colonies are a common irritant, leading to respiratory symptoms like chronic coughing, particularly in children who are more sensitive.

For a situation like this, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. The goal is to identify the type of mold present and its source, which is often a hidden moisture problem like a slow pipe leak or condensation within an AC unit or walls. A proper inspection involves more than a visual check; it should include moisture mapping to find the water source and air or surface sampling. The samples must be analyzed by an accredited microbiology lab to identify the species, as this determines the appropriate remediation strategy.

When looking for a reliable company in Dubai, avoid those that offer free inspections or immediately push for expensive remediation. A credible inspector will be independent from the remediation company to avoid a conflict of interest. Ask if they are certified by a recognized body like the IICRC and insist that they provide a detailed report with lab results from a named, third-party laboratory. This documented evidence is what separates a legitimate assessment from a simple sales pitch. The Dubai Municipality has guidelines on indoor air quality, and a proper report will help you understand the problem clearly before any next steps are taken.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 22, 2026 10:14 am