Could mold in our clothes be making us sick?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, mold on clothes can absolutely be the cause of your family's persistent coughing and allergy symptoms. The fuzzy black spots you describe are almost certainly mold, a type of fungus that thrives in the dark, stagnant, and often humid conditions found in storage areas here.

In Dubai's climate, this is a common issue. Even with air conditioning, storage cupboards can become microclimates with high humidity, especially if they are against an exterior wall that experiences temperature fluctuations. This leads to condensation, which mold spores—ever-present in the air—use to grow. When you disturb these items, you release a high concentration of spores and mycotoxins into your home's air, which are then inhaled. This directly irritates the respiratory system, leading to the coughing, wheezing, and allergy flare-ups you're experiencing.

For your health and to stop the spread, immediate action is needed. Isolate the moldy items by sealing them in plastic bags and remove them from your living space. Do not attempt to shake or vacuum them indoors, as this will aerosolize more spores. Most non-porous items can be professionally cleaned, but porous materials like cloth may need to be discarded if the growth is extensive.

However, cleaning the clothes only addresses the symptom. A professional inspection is strongly recommended to identify the source of moisture in that cupboard. An expert will use tools like moisture meters and thermal cameras to find condensation points or hidden leaks. They can also assess the spore levels in your home's air to determine the extent of contamination. The goal is to find and fix the root cause—be it poor ventilation, a plumbing leak, or inadequate insulation—to prevent this from happening again. For families with ongoing respiratory issues, this diagnostic step is crucial.