Is bathroom mold causing our coughs and allergies?« Back to Previous Page

The mold under your silicone sealant is very likely contributing to your family's coughs and allergies. Bathroom mold releases spores and microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) that are direct respiratory irritants. In a confined, poorly ventilated space like your bathroom, these concentrations build up, worsening symptoms. The high summer humidity in Dubai creates a perfect breeding ground for this issue.

Bleach is not a permanent solution; it only removes surface discoloration and can actually feed the root structure of some molds. For a lasting fix, the compromised sealant must be completely removed. The underlying area needs to be properly cleaned with an EPA-approved fungicidal cleaner designed for porous surfaces, not just a disinfectant. After it is thoroughly dried, a new, high-quality mold-resistant silicone sealant should be applied.

Given the extent of the hidden growth you've described and the ongoing health symptoms, a professional inspection is advisable. They can assess if the mold has spread behind tiles or into the wall cavity, which is common when sealant is breached. They also perform air quality tests to identify the specific mold species and spore count, which is crucial for understanding the health risk and confirming the remediation was successful. For apartments, verifying and upgrading your extractor fan's performance is essential; it should be capable of achieving at least 8-10 air changes per hour as per common guidelines for wet rooms.