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

It very likely is. The black, fuzzy spots you describe are a classic sign of active mold growth, and the persistent cough in children is one of the most common reactions to its spores in the air. The damp feeling confirms high humidity, which is the primary fuel for mold in our climate.

In the UAE, indoor environments are particularly prone to mold due to high outdoor humidity for much of the year combined with condensation from air conditioning systems. This creates perfect conditions in closets, behind furniture, and on cold walls. When you disturb it by pulling out clothes, you release a large cloud of spores that everyone then breathes in, often causing immediate respiratory irritation like coughing, congestion, and worsened allergies.

For your situation, the safest approach is critical. Do not attempt to clean significant visible growth yourself with bleach or other chemicals, as this can aerosolize the spores and make the air quality worse. Isolate the area by closing the wardrobe doors and consider covering the gap with plastic sheeting if possible.

The most effective and safe method is to have a professional inspection. They can assess the full extent of the problem, identify the mold species, and recommend a proper remediation plan. In serious cases like this, where health is already affected, a science-driven approach with proper containment and air scrubbing is necessary to prevent the spread. After remediation, addressing the source of the dampness—often through improving room ventilation or using a dedicated dehumidifier—is essential to stop it from returning.