Is black mold causing my kids' persistent cough?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop since the school break started, and I just found a patch of black fuzzy stuff in the back corner of their bedroom closet where we store out-of-season clothes. Our building in Jumeirah is quite old and I’m worried the AC’s humidity might be making it worse. What’s the safest and most effective way to clean this without risking my family's health?
Posted by Andrzej Wisniewski
Asked on March 24, 2026 5:36 pm
Based on your description, it is highly probable that the black fungal growth you've discovered is contributing to your children's persistent respiratory symptoms. The constant coughing is a classic reaction to inhaling mold spores, which are potent allergens and irritants. The location in the closet, coupled with the age of your Jumeirah building and year-round AC use, creates a textbook environment for mold proliferation. In Dubai's climate, air conditioning units that are not regularly maintained can become significant sources of humidity and condensation, especially if drain lines are clogged or insulation is failing, providing the perfect moisture source for mold on stored organic materials like cotton clothes.

The safest initial step is to isolate the area. Do not disturb the patch, as this will aerosolize spores. For a small, contained area, a solution of white vinegar or a proprietary mold-cleaning product can be effective for surface cleaning non-porous materials. However, given that the mold is on fabrics and the health symptoms are already present, this situation warrants extreme caution. Improper cleaning can exacerbate the problem and your family's exposure.

I strongly recommend a professional inspection. Our certified inspectors use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to identify the exact moisture source (e.g., a leaking AC condensate line in the wall, rising damp) and air sampling to quantify spore levels in your children's bedroom air. This is crucial for determining the full extent of the contamination and the appropriate remediation protocol, which often requires containment barriers and HEPA filtration to safely remove the affected materials and spores.

For a definitive assessment and to protect your family's health, please contact our team. Call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 26, 2026 8:12 pm