Could mold in our apartment cause my kids' cough?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, mold in your apartment could absolutely be the cause of your kids' persistent coughs and sore throats. The damp, musty smell you describe is a strong indicator of active microbial growth, and the symptoms you mention are very common reactions to inhaling mold spores and mycotoxins, especially in children whose respiratory systems are more sensitive.

In Dubai's climate, this is a frequent issue. The high humidity, combined with condensation from year-round AC use, creates ideal conditions for mold in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces like storage cupboards. The mold spores become airborne when you disturb the contaminated items, circulating through your AC system and into the air your family breathes.

For immediate action, move the contaminated clothes and items out of the living space, ideally sealed in plastic bags. Do not attempt to clean them yourself, as this will release more spores. Increase ventilation in that room immediately. However, given the extent of the growth you've found and the persistent health symptoms, a professional inspection is strongly advised. Surface cleaning is often insufficient, as the problem may be deeper within the cupboard structure or your AC system.

A proper inspection involves identifying the moisture source and conducting air and surface sampling to be analyzed by a microbiology lab. This is the only way to confirm the mold type and concentration, which dictates the correct remediation protocol. In many cases, the AC unit itself requires specialized cleaning to prevent recontamination. Resolving the underlying moisture issue is critical to prevent it from returning.