Is mold causing our cough and how to remove safely?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past month and I'm starting to worry. I just pulled back the corner of the carpet in our Sharjah apartment's bedroom and found a huge patch of black, fuzzy mold underneath, probably from an old AC leak we thought was fixed. My throat has been feeling scratchy too. **Could this mold be causing our health issues and what's the safest way to get rid of it without making us sicker?**
Posted by Eunji Yoon
Asked on April 30, 2026 11:20 am
Yes, the black mold under your carpet is very likely causing the persistent cough and scratchy throat you're describing. In Sharjah's humid climate, mold from an old AC leak can thrive undetected, releasing spores that irritate the respiratory system. Children are particularly susceptible to these irritants.

Do not attempt to remove it yourself. Disturbing the mold will release a massive cloud of spores into your apartment's air, potentially making your symptoms much worse. The safest first step is to isolate the area—close the bedroom door and avoid entering.

For a confirmed infestation of this size, professional remediation is strongly advised. Look for a company that follows IICRC standards for mold removal. They will use containment barriers, HEPA-filtered negative air machines, and professional-grade antimicrobials to remove the mold safely and prevent cross-contamination.

After remediation, insist on a post-clearance test, typically an air quality test, to verify the spore count in the room has returned to safe levels. This provides documented proof the problem is resolved. Given the health symptoms, a professional inspection can identify the exact species and scope, which is crucial for effective treatment.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 3, 2026 1:13 am