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

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past few weeks and I'm starting to panic. I pulled out their winter clothes from the storage cupboard under our stairs in Jumeirah and found a bunch of their jackets and shoes covered in black fuzzy spots. The musty smell in that cupboard is really strong. Could this mold be the reason for their coughs and what's the safest way to clean all their stuff without making them sicker?
Posted by Patricia Allen
Asked on April 2, 2026 11:41 am
Based on your description, it is highly probable that the mold discovered on the winter clothing is contributing to your children's persistent cough. The black fuzzy growth is indicative of a significant mold colony, and the strong musty odor confirms the presence of microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs), which are known respiratory irritants. Disturbing these items releases thousands of microscopic spores and these mVOCs into the air, which are then inhaled, directly irritating the bronchial passages and triggering allergic reactions and coughing fits.

The environment in your Jumeirah storage cupboard is a classic breeding ground. The UAE's high ambient humidity, combined with a lack of airflow and potential condensation from year-round AC systems creating temperature differentials, provides the perfect conditions for mold to proliferate on organic materials like cotton, leather, and wool.

For your children's health, I strongly advise against attempting to clean these items yourself. Agitating the mold will aerosolize the spores throughout your home, significantly increasing exposure and potentially making their symptoms worse. The safest course of action is to first have the extent of the contamination professionally assessed.

Our certified mold inspectors can conduct a thorough assessment of the cupboard and your indoor air quality to identify all affected areas and the root moisture source. For remediation, we utilize controlled containment procedures and industrial-grade HEPA filtration units to safely remove and clean salvageable belongings and remediate the storage area, ensuring spores are not spread to other parts of the residence.

Do not risk your family's health. For a professional inspection and a definitive solution, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Saniservice is equipped to handle this safely and in compliance with all relevant Dubai Municipality hygiene standards.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 5, 2026 9:11 am