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

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the last two weeks, and I've been waking up with a stuffy nose. I just pulled out our winter clothes from the storage room and found a bunch of jackets with fuzzy black spots on them, and the whole room smells damp. Could this mold be the reason we're all feeling sick, and what's the first thing I should do about it?
Posted by Pieter Rossi
Asked on April 10, 2026 12:40 am
Based on your description, it is highly probable that the mold growth in your storage room is the source of your family's respiratory symptoms, specifically the persistent cough and nasal congestion. The fuzzy black spots are a classic indicator of active mold colonization, and the damp, musty odor is a result of microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) released by the fungi. In Dubai's climate, where high external humidity meets year-round air conditioning, condensation within poorly ventilated spaces like storage rooms is a frequent occurrence, creating the perfect environment for mold proliferation.

The first and most critical action is to isolate the contaminated area. Do not attempt to clean the moldy jackets yourself, as improper handling will aerosolize the spores and significantly worsen the indoor air quality, exacerbating your symptoms. Immediately close the door to the storage room and avoid entering it without appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

For a situation of this nature, with visible widespread growth and correlating health effects, a professional inspection is not just recommended but essential. DIY mold test kits are unreliable and will not provide the actionable data needed for effective remediation. A certified inspector will conduct a comprehensive assessment, including moisture mapping to identify the water source and air/o-surface sampling to determine the spore count and species, which is crucial for understanding the health implications and planning the remediation protocol.

Given the confirmed health impact, I strongly advise you to contact a professional remediation company immediately. Saniservice's certified teams are equipped with specialized technology like HEPA filtration units and desiccant dehumidifiers to safely contain, remove, and remediate the contamination in compliance with Dubai Municipality guidelines. Please call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for an urgent consultation and to schedule a detailed inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 11, 2026 2:38 pm