Could this black mold cause my kids' persistent coughs?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, that black mold is very likely contributing to your children's persistent coughs and runny noses. In Dubai's humid climate, especially in older Deira buildings, hidden mold from slow leaks is a common trigger for respiratory irritation. The continuous exposure over two years means their symptoms are a direct reaction to inhaling mold spores, which act as a constant irritant to the lungs and sinuses.

The first step is to address the moisture source immediately. Have the leak repaired by your building management, as this is their responsibility under typical tenancy agreements. Do not attempt to clean the mold yourself with bleach, as this can aerosolize the spores and worsen the air quality. For a patch that size, and due to the health symptoms, a professional assessment is strongly recommended to determine the extent of growth inside the wall cavity.

A proper inspection will identify the mold species, as some types are more problematic than others. The remediation process should include containment of the area, HEPA vacuuming, and antimicrobial treatment to ensure spores are not spread throughout your apartment. Until it's handled, improve ventilation in the room as much as possible and consider using a dehumidifier, as year-round AC use can sometimes create condensation issues that exacerbate mold growth. Your pediatrician was right to suspect it; resolving this should lead to a noticeable improvement in your children's health.