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

It is very likely the mold in the clothes and the cupboard is contributing to your children's coughing and allergies. Mold releases microscopic spores and mycotoxins into the air that are respiratory irritants, especially for children. The damp, earthy smell confirms active growth, meaning the air they're breathing is contaminated.

For the clothes, do not attempt to shake or vacuum them indoors, as this will aerosolize the spores. Seal the moldy items in plastic bags and discard them if possible. For items you must save, a professional laundry service with industrial-grade hot water and detergents can sometimes salvage them, but curing severe mold is difficult. The cupboard itself needs a full inspection. In Dubai's climate, this is often caused by a small, undetected water leak from plumbing or AC condensation drainage, or simply from humidity being trapped in an enclosed space. The source of the moisture must be identified and fixed first; otherwise, the mold will return.

Given the health symptoms and the extent of the growth you've described, a professional inspection is strongly advised. They can use moisture meters and thermal cameras to find the hidden water source and take air and surface samples for lab analysis to identify the mold species and the concentration levels in your air. This is crucial for determining the correct remediation protocol. Remediation involves isolating the area, using HEPA filtration to clean the air, and properly treating all contaminated surfaces.

Until it's resolved, keep the cupboard sealed and ensure the children's bedroom and main living areas are well-ventilated. Using a dehumidifier can help reduce the overall ambient humidity that encourages mold growth.