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

That black mold under the sealant is a very likely culprit for the coughing and headaches, especially in children. Bathroom mold releases spores and microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) that are known respiratory irritants, causing the exact symptoms you describe.

In Dubai's climate, a windowless bathroom with a weak extractor fan creates a perfect mold incubator. Daily showers generate high humidity that gets trapped, condensing on cold surfaces like tiles and silicone. This persistent moisture, combined with our year-round warmth, allows mold to thrive unseen behind surfaces.

For proper, permanent removal, surface cleaning is not enough. The contaminated silicone sealant must be completely removed. All underlying surfaces need to be cleaned with an appropriate biocide, not just bleach, which often only removes the visible colour. The area must then be thoroughly dried before applying new, high-quality mold-resistant sealant. Crucially, the root cause must be fixed: the extractor fan should be assessed and likely upgraded to one with adequate extraction power for the room's size, and it should be used during and for at least 20 minutes after every shower.

Given the extent of hidden growth and the fact that family members are experiencing symptoms, a professional inspection is wise. They can assess the full scope of the problem, identify the mold species, and ensure remediation is done correctly to prevent immediate recurrence. For health-related cases, a company with a microbiology lab can provide concrete identification and post-remediation verification to confirm the environment is safe.