Is mold causing my family's cough and how remove safely?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past two weeks, and I'm starting to panic. I just pulled out a bunch of old winter clothes from the storage cupboard under our stairs here in our Jumeirah villa, and the back wall is covered in this black, fuzzy patch that smells damp. Could this mold be the reason my family is getting sick and what's the safest way to get rid of it with toddlers in the house?
Posted by Jin Sato
Asked on May 13, 2026 4:40 am
Yes, that black mold in your storage cupboard could definitely be causing the persistent cough in your family. In Dubai's humid climate, enclosed spaces like under-stair cupboards are prone to condensation and mold growth, especially when storing items like clothes that absorb moisture. The damp smell confirms active growth, and its spores are now circulating in your home's air, irritating respiratory systems. Children and toddlers are particularly susceptible to these irritants.

Do not attempt to clean a large patch yourself, especially with toddlers present. Disturbing it will release a massive cloud of spores. For now, keep the cupboard door closed and the area well-ventilated. The safest removal requires professional containment and remediation to prevent cross-contamination. They will use physical barriers and HEPA filtration to capture spores during the process.

The root cause is excess moisture. After remediation, identify why moisture built up there—it could be a small plumbing leak, condensation from an AC duct running through the space, or simply the humidity from our climate permeating an enclosed area. A dehumidifier or improving ventilation in that area will be crucial to prevent it from returning. Given the health symptoms and the size of the growth, a professional inspection is strongly recommended to assess the full extent and execute a safe removal protocol.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 14, 2026 7:38 am