Could this mold be causing my child's persistent cough?« Back to Previous Page

My 3-year-old has been having a persistent cough and runny nose for the last few weeks, and I’m starting to worry. I just pulled out his winter clothes from the storage cupboard under our staircase in Jumeirah and found a bunch of his jackets and sweaters covered in black spots. The cupboard always feels a bit damp, but I didn’t think it was this bad. **Could this mold be the cause of his allergies, and what's the safest way to clean his clothes and the cupboard without making us sick?**
Posted by Christopher Young
Asked on April 3, 2026 8:57 pm
Based on your description, it is highly probable that the mold discovered in your storage cupboard is a significant contributing factor to your child's persistent respiratory symptoms. The black spots are indicative of a mold colony, likely Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold) or Aspergillus, both of which are known to produce mycotoxins and allergenic spores. When these microscopic spores become airborne, they can be inhaled, leading to allergic reactions, asthma exacerbation, and persistent coughs and runny noses, particularly in young children whose immune systems are still developing.

The dampness under the staircase is a classic symptom of the high ambient humidity in Dubai, often exacerbated by condensation from air conditioning systems and lack of ventilation in enclosed spaces. This creates the perfect environment for mold proliferation.

For the contaminated clothing, I strongly advise against attempting to clean them yourself. Agitating the material will release a massive amount of spores into your home's air. These items should be sealed in plastic bags and professionally assessed. For the cupboard, superficial cleaning with a H₂O₂-based solution is a temporary measure but will not address the root moisture problem or any fungal growth within the walls or structure.

Given the health implications for your child, a professional inspection is critical. Our certified inspectors use moisture meters, thermal imaging, and air sampling to identify the exact species and the full extent of the contamination, which is often hidden. Remediation must be conducted under containment to prevent cross-contamination, following strict guidelines akin to Dubai Municipality standards. For a thorough assessment and safe remediation, please contact our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 6, 2026 9:06 am