Is mold causing my kids' cough? How to clean safely?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, mold exposure is a very likely cause of your children's persistent cough, especially given the damp smell and visible growth you've described. In Dubai's humid climate, enclosed storage areas are prime locations for mold as condensation builds up and air doesn't circulate. The coughing is a common reaction to inhaling mold spores and mycotoxins released into the air.

For your safety, do not attempt to clean this yourself. Disturbing the mold will release a massive cloud of spores throughout your home's air, potentially making your children's symptoms much worse. The safest first step is to immediately seal off the area. Close the cupboard door and tape plastic sheeting over it to isolate the spores.

Professional inspection and remediation is strongly advised here. A certified inspector can conduct air quality testing to identify the spore types and concentration levels, which is critical information. In many cases in villas, mold in one visible area is an indicator of a larger, hidden problem within wall cavities or under insulation, particularly after a minor, unnoticed leak.

Remediation involves containing the area with negative air pressure, using HEPA filtration to scrub the air, and safely removing all contaminated materials. After removal, the underlying cause of the moisture must be identified and fixed to prevent it from returning. Until a pro can assess, increase ventilation in your home by running exhaust fans and keeping AC systems on to help filter the air.