Could the mold in my bedroom be causing our coughs?« Back to Previous Page

It's very possible the mold is contributing to the coughs and headaches. The damp wall indicates a moisture issue, and the combination of mold spores and dampness can irritate airways, especially in children. In Dubai's high humidity, this is a common trigger for respiratory symptoms that are often mistaken for a persistent cold.

The first step is to limit exposure. Keep the bedroom door closed and the children out of that room. Run a dehumidifier if you have one, and ensure your AC is on to help lower the indoor humidity level. Do not attempt to scrub or disturb the patch yourself, as this can release a large number of spores into the air.

Given the symptoms and the visible dampness in the wall, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. In Dubai, older buildings in areas like Deira are particularly susceptible to condensation and hidden leaks that fuel mold growth behind walls. An expert can use moisture meters and thermal imaging to find the moisture source, which is the critical first step to a permanent solution. They can also take a sample for lab analysis to identify the mold type, which dictates the appropriate remediation protocol. For rental properties, the Dubai Municipality's Public Health & Safety Department has regulations that can obligate landlords to address such dampness issues.