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

My kids have been coughing for the past few weeks and I'm starting to worry. I've just pulled out some winter clothes from the storage cupboard under our stairs in Jumeirah and found a bunch of them covered in fuzzy black spots. The whole space has that damp, earthy smell. Could this mold be the reason for their coughs and what's the safest way to clean everything with children in the house?
Posted by Timothy Williams
Asked on March 31, 2026 8:15 pm
Based on your description, it is highly probable that the mold growth in your storage cupboard is contributing to your children's persistent cough. The fuzzy black spots are indicative of active fungal growth, and the damp, earthy smell is a clear sign of microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs), which are known respiratory irritants. In Dubai's climate, the combination of high ambient humidity and the constant use of air conditioning creates significant condensation risks in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces like under-stair cupboards. This provides the perfect environment for mold spores to colonize materials like clothing and wood.

Exposure to mold, particularly for children with developing respiratory systems, can cause symptoms including chronic coughing, wheezing, throat irritation, and allergic reactions. The safest course of action is to avoid disturbing the mold yourself, as this will aerosolize spores and significantly increase the indoor air contamination, potentially worsening your children's health. Do not attempt to clean the items with bleach or other DIY solutions, as improper remediation can exacerbate the problem.

For the health of your family, I strongly recommend a professional inspection and assessment. Our certified technicians at Saniservice use moisture meters, thermal imaging, and air quality tests to identify the full extent of the contamination and its moisture source. We then execute a controlled remediation process following international IICRC S520 standards, which includes containment, air scrubbing, and the safe disposal or hygienization of affected contents. This is the only way to ensure the problem is resolved at its root and your indoor air quality is restored to a safe level. Please contact our team for an immediate assessment at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 2, 2026 1:10 am