Could my child's cough be from closet mold?« Back to Previous Page

We’ve lived in our Jumeirah villa for 2 years and just noticed a patch of black mold in the corner of the kids' bedroom closet, probably from the last round of heavy humidity. My 5-year-old has had a persistent runny nose and a cough that just won’t go away for the past month. I’m really worried that the two are connected. What are the most urgent steps I should take to protect my family's health while we get this sorted?
Posted by Faisal Al-Salem
Asked on April 7, 2026 2:40 pm
It is possible your child's cough is related to the closet mold, especially given the high humidity levels in Dubai that allow mold to thrive. The most common symptoms from household mold like this are respiratory irritation, persistent runny nose, and a cough that lingers, particularly in children and those with allergies.

Your most urgent step is to limit exposure. Keep the closet door closed and the bedroom well-ventilated. Do not attempt to scrub the mold yourself, as this can release a high concentration of spores into the air. For a small, isolated patch, a solution of white vinegar can sometimes be used to damp-wipe the surface, but proper containment is key.

Given that the symptoms are present, a professional inspection is strongly recommended to assess the extent. In Dubai's climate, a hidden patch in a closet often indicates a broader humidity or condensation issue, possibly within the AC system itself, which can spread spores throughout the house. A proper assessment includes identifying the mold species through lab analysis, as this determines the actual health risk and required remediation steps. This diagnostic approach is the only way to know what you're dealing with and to create a targeted plan to make the bedroom safe again.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 9, 2026 12:47 am