Could mold in our Dubai apartment cause kids' coughs?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, mold in your apartment is a very likely cause of the persistent coughs, especially in children. The damp, earthy smell confirms active growth. In Dubai's climate, closed storage areas are prime spots for mold due to high humidity and condensation, often worsened by air conditioning systems that can spread spores. Children are more susceptible to respiratory irritation from mold exposure.

The safest immediate step is to isolate the area. Keep the cupboard closed and the room well-ventilated, but prevent your children from entering. Do not attempt to clean significant visible growth yourself, as disturbing it will aerosolize spores throughout your home. For the contaminated clothing, sealing them in plastic bags for professional cleaning or disposal is advised.

With children experiencing symptoms, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. They can identify the moisture source—often a hidden AC condensate leak or seepage in Bur Dubai's older buildings—and assess the full extent. Surface cleaning alone is insufficient; the root cause must be fixed to prevent recurrence. Remediation should follow standards like the IICRC S520, which includes containment and HEPA filtration to protect occupants.

For your family's safety, prioritize an assessment from a company that provides verifiable, lab-based identification of the mold species and documents the air quality before and after remediation. This is the only way to be certain the environment is safe for your children.