Is mold under stairs causing family coughing?« Back to Previous Page

It very likely is. That damp, earthy smell confirms active microbial growth, and the black fuzzy substance on textiles is a classic sign of a significant mold issue. The confined, dark space under stairs in a Dubai villa is a prime environment for mold due to lack of airflow, which traps humidity from our high ambient moisture levels. The persistent coughing in your children is a common reaction to inhaling mold spores and mycotoxins released into the air.

You should immediately isolate the area. Seal the moldy items in plastic bags for professional disposal and keep the cupboard door closed to prevent spores from circulating into your living space. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach or other store-bought solutions, as disturbing it will aerosolize more spores and potentially expose you to higher concentrations.

Given the symptoms and the visible growth, a professional inspection is strongly advised. An expert can assess the full extent, often using a borescope to see inside wall cavities, as the mold on your clothes may only be the visible part of a larger problem within the wall or under the insulation. The inspection should include air quality testing to identify the types and concentrations of spores in your home's air; this is crucial for determining the health risk and necessary remediation steps. In Dubai, this kind of assessment is best done by a company with its own microbiology lab to ensure accurate, rapid species identification.

For remediation, the underlying moisture source must be found and fixed—often it's condensation from AC ductwork, a minor leak, or simply the humidity itself permeating the space. Proper remediation involves physical removal of contaminated materials, HEPA vacuuming, and antimicrobial treatment of the structure, not just surface cleaning. To prevent recurrence, consider installing a small ventilation grille in the cupboard door to allow air circulation from your AC system, which helps keep the space dry.