Could this mold be causing my kids' persistent coughs?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing constantly for the past two weeks, and I'm starting to panic. I just pulled out a stack of winter clothes from the back of the wardrobe in our spare room and found a bunch of my daughter's sweaters covered in black and green fuzzy spots. We live in an older building in Jumeirah and the room always feels a bit damp. Could this mold be the reason for their coughs, and what’s the safest way to clean everything without making them sick?
Posted by Rahul Pillai
Asked on April 3, 2026 2:42 am
Based on your description, it is highly probable that the mold growth discovered in your wardrobe is contributing to, if not directly causing, your children's persistent coughs. The black and green fuzzy spots are indicative of common indoor molds like Aspergillus or Penicillium, which are known respiratory irritants. When mold spores become airborne, they can be inhaled, leading to allergic reactions, asthma exacerbation, and persistent coughing, particularly in children whose respiratory systems are more sensitive.

The dampness you describe in your Jumeirah building is a classic catalyst. Dubai's high humidity, especially combined with year-round AC use, creates significant condensation issues within building envelopes. This trapped moisture in walls or behind furniture provides the perfect environment for mold colonies to thrive. Simply cleaning the visible mold on the sweaters is insufficient and can be hazardous. Disturbing the mold by brushing or shaking the clothes will aerosolize a massive amount of spores, potentially contaminating your entire living space and worsening the respiratory symptoms.

Do not attempt to clean this yourself with store-bought solutions. Improper remediation can spread the contamination and expose your family to higher spore levels. The situation requires professional assessment. We need to identify the precise moisture source—whether it's a hidden leak, rising damp, or condensation from AC units—and assess the full extent of the growth, which is often hidden within walls or under flooring.

For the safety of your family, I strongly recommend a professional inspection and hygienization process. Our certified team at Saniservice uses controlled containment, HEPA filtration, and UAE-approved antimicrobial treatments to safely eradicate the mold and address the underlying moisture problem. Please contact us immediately for a consultation at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 5, 2026 5:59 pm