Is mold causing my kids' coughs and how to remove safely?« Back to Previous Page

It is very possible the mold is causing or significantly worsening your children's coughs. Exposure to mold spores commonly triggers respiratory irritation, persistent coughing, and allergy-like symptoms, particularly in children whose systems are more sensitive. The damp, earthy smell confirms active growth, and the UAE's high humidity provides the perfect environment for it to thrive, especially in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces like storage cupboards.

For a situation of this scale with health symptoms present, professional inspection and remediation is strongly advised. DIY cleaning is not recommended with children in the home, as improper handling will aerosolize a high concentration of spores throughout your living space, potentially making the problem much worse. Professionals use containment barriers, HEPA air scrubbers, and specialized PPE to remove the contaminated materials and spores safely.

Until a pro can assess, keep the cupboard door closed and the area completely isolated from your home's main living areas. Increase ventilation in the home by running exhaust fans and, if possible, opening windows when the outside humidity is lower. An air purifier with a true HEPA filter in the main living area can help reduce airborne spore levels.

The root cause is likely a humidity issue in that cupboard. In Dubai's climate, this often results from condensation from AC ducting running through the space or minor, unnoticed water ingress. After remediation, address this by ensuring the space is well-ventilated, checking for and insulating any cold AC pipes, and using a moisture absorber like silica gel. For valuable or sentimental items, a restoration company can provide specialized cleaning to salvage them.