Could this mold cause my kids' constant cough and sneezing?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing and sneezing non-stop for the last month, and I’m starting to panic. I finally pulled our sofa away from the wall in our Marina apartment and found a huge patch of black mold, probably from a hidden humidity leak. The room constantly feels damp even with the AC on. Could this mold be the reason for their constant cold-like symptoms, and what’s the fastest way to deal with it properly?
Posted by Ana Van Dijk
Asked on April 13, 2026 2:00 am
Yes, the mold is very likely the cause of your children's persistent coughing and sneezing. This is a classic presentation of mold-related health issues, especially in sensitive individuals like children. The black mold you found releases spores and microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) into the air, which are potent irritants to the respiratory system, mimicking constant cold or allergy symptoms.

The damp feeling in the room, even with AC running, points to a significant humidity issue, common in Marina apartments due to sea air and potential hidden condensation leaks within the walls or behind the AC unit. The AC itself may be circulating the spores throughout the apartment.

The fastest and most effective way to deal with this is a two-step process. First, you need a professional inspection to identify the full extent of the mold and the exact source of the moisture. In Dubai, remediation must follow strict guidelines like the DM Guidelines and often requires containment to prevent cross-contamination. Simply cleaning the visible patch is insufficient if the hidden source and root cause are not addressed. Second, the affected materials (like contaminated drywall or insulation behind the sofa) will likely need to be safely removed and replaced by a certified team. For your children's health, I would recommend they stay elsewhere during the remediation process. Afterwards, consider a post-remediation verification test from an independent lab to confirm the air quality is safe before they return. Addressing the humidity source is critical to prevent it from returning.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 13, 2026 5:06 pm