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

Yes, the black mold you found is very likely the cause of their persistent cough and cold-like symptoms. In Dubai's humid climate, this is a common trigger for respiratory irritation, especially in children. The constant AC use creates significant condensation, and if a drain line is blocked or there's a small leak in the wall unit, it creates the damp environment where mold thrives behind walls and under carpets.

For a case this severe, with visible growth and health symptoms, professional remediation is strongly advised. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as disturbing it will release a massive amount of spores into the air your children breathe. The safest approach requires containment of the area, specialized equipment to prevent cross-contamination, and the proper antimicrobial agents to treat the source.

The first step is a professional inspection to identify the full extent of the moisture problem—likely a leaking AC condensate drain—and the type of mold present. A reputable company will use moisture meters and may recommend air or swab sampling sent to an accredited microbiology lab to identify the species, which informs the remediation protocol.

Look for a provider certified by a recognized body like the IICRC and who can provide a detailed scope of work, including containment procedures and verification testing after cleanup to confirm the spore count in the room has returned to acceptable levels. Resolving the underlying moisture issue is critical to prevent it from returning.