Is mold causing my kids' cough anf safe to clean?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, it is very possible the mold is causing or worsening your children's coughs. The damp, confined space of a wardrobe in a Deira building is a classic breeding ground. Mold releases spores and microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) that are respiratory irritants, particularly for children whose airways are more sensitive. The persistent, non-stop nature of the cough aligns with an environmental irritant.

Given the size of the patch and their symptoms, cleaning it yourself is not the safest first step. Disturbing it will release a large cloud of spores throughout your home, potentially making the situation worse. For a patch larger than roughly one square meter, or any size when health symptoms are present, a professional inspection is strongly advised. They can conduct air quality tests to identify the spore types and concentration levels, which is critical information.

If you must address it before a professional can arrive, safety is paramount. Immediately move the children and anyone with asthma or allergies to a different part of the house. Seal off the room by closing the door and placing a wet towel at the base. Wear an N95 mask, goggles, and gloves. Lightly mist the mold with a soap and water solution to suppress spores before wiping it away. Never use bleach, as it can aggravate respiratory issues and doesn't prevent regrowth.

The root cause is the dampness, likely from condensation in our high-humidity climate, possibly exacerbated by the building's age. After cleaning the surface, you must identify and address the moisture source. Improve ventilation in that room, consider a portable dehumidifier, and ensure your AC unit is serviced and draining properly to keep humidity levels low, which is the only way to prevent it from returning.