Is mold in my home causing my kids' cough?« Back to Previous Page
|
My kids have been coughing for the past couple of weeks and I'm starting to panic. I just pulled out some winter clothes from the back of the wardrobe in our spare room and found a bunch of them covered in black and green fuzzy spots. We live in an older building in Jumeirah and the room always feels a bit damp. Could this mold be the reason for their coughs and what's the safest way to clean everything with little ones in the house?
|
|
Based on your description, it is highly probable that the mold growth in your wardrobe is a contributing factor to your children's persistent cough. The black and green fuzzy spots are indicative of active colonization, likely by genera such as Aspergillus or Penicillium, which are known respiratory irritants and common in Dubai's climate. The dampness you describe in your older Jumeirah building is a classic amplifier, often resulting from high ambient humidity, condensation from AC units, and potential minor water intrusion in older structures. When disturbed, these colonies release microscopic spores and mycotoxins into the air, which, when inhaled, can cause allergic reactions, asthma exacerbations, and the exact respiratory symptoms you are witnessing.
For the safety of your family, I strongly advise against attempting to clean significant growth yourself, especially with children present. Disturbing the mold without proper containment protocols will aerosolize the spores, drastically increasing airborne concentrations and exposure. The safest immediate step is to isolate the room: keep the door closed, and do not use the HVAC system for that room to prevent cross-contamination. Given the health symptoms and visible growth, this situation warrants a professional inspection. In the UAE, reputable companies like Saniservice conduct comprehensive assessments that include moisture mapping with thermal imaging and air quality testing to identify the species present and the full extent of the contamination, which is often hidden within walls or under floors. This data is critical for formulating an effective and safe remediation plan that complies with local guidelines. For immediate advice and to schedule a professional inspection, I recommend you call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Their certified technicians can safely contain, remove, and hygienize the affected areas to ensure your home is safe for your little ones. |
Please log in to post questions/answers: