Could this mold cause my kids' persistent cough and sniffles?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, that mold could definitely be causing your kids' persistent symptoms. The type of black mold commonly found in humid bedroom closets here is often Cladosporium or Aspergillus. Both are known irritants that can cause chronic runny noses, coughs, headaches, and worsened allergy symptoms, especially in children.

Your Jumeirah villa's concrete walls can trap moisture from last winter's humidity, creating a perfect environment for mold behind furniture and in closets. The constant recirculation of air through your AC can then spread these spores throughout the house, making the symptoms persistent even if the visible patch is small.

First, do not disturb the patch further, as this will release more spores. Isolate the area by keeping the closet door closed and the room well-ventilated. For a confirmed case like this, a professional inspection is advised to assess the full extent, as mold can grow inside wall cavities. They can perform air and surface sampling to identify the species, which is critical for understanding the health risk and planning remediation.

In Dubai, remediation must follow strict guidelines from entities like the Dubai Municipality to prevent cross-contamination. This typically involves sealing the area, using HEPA filtration to clean the air, and removing the contaminated materials. Once the source is removed, symptoms usually resolve. In the meantime, using a good quality HEPA air purifier in their bedrooms can help reduce airborne spore levels.