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

It is very likely the mold in your storage cupboard is contributing to your children's persistent cough. Exposure to mold spores, especially in a confined space like a Mirdif villa, is a common trigger for respiratory irritation, causing symptoms like chronic coughing, congestion, and worsened allergies. The musty smell you describe confirms active microbial growth, and disturbing the clothes has released a high concentration of spores into your home's air.

For your health and safety, do not attempt to clean this yourself. Disturbing the mold without proper containment will aerosolize the spores, spreading the contamination throughout your house and potentially exacerb your family's symptoms. The safest approach is to keep the cupboard closed and restrict access until a professional assessment can be done.

In Dubai's climate, this is a serious indoor air quality issue. High humidity and constant AC use create ideal conditions for mold in poorly ventilated spaces like under-stair cupboards. The AC can then circulate these spores to other rooms. A proper remediation involves isolating the area with negative air pressure, using HEPA filtration to capture spores, and safely disposing of heavily contaminated porous materials like fabrics.

You should seek a professional inspection from a company with microbial identification capabilities. They can determine the species present, identify the moisture source (often condensation from AC ducting or a small leak), and provide a protocol for safe removal. Verifying their methodology and asking for post-remediation testing are key to ensuring the problem is resolved and your indoor air is safe again.