Is musty smell in closet harmful to my son?« Back to Previous Page

After the heavy rain last month, I noticed a musty smell in my bedroom closet, which has only gotten stronger over the past few days. My son has been complaining of chest tightness and difficulty breathing, especially at night. Is this an urgent issue that needs immediate attention, or should we wait to see if it clears up on its own?
Posted by Saeed Al-Zahrani
Asked on January 14, 2026 2:53 pm
The musty smell in your closet could be an indicator of mold growth, which is definitely concerning. In the uae/dubai region, we often experience humid periods following heavy rains, and this can create ideal conditions for mold to flourish, especially in areas like closets that may not get much ventilation.

Mold can indeed pose a serious health risk, particularly to children who might have weaker immune systems or pre-existing respiratory issues. The symptoms your son is experiencing—chest tightness and difficulty breathing, especially at night—are quite alarming and suggest that this could be an urgent matter. Mold spores can irritate the lungs and exacerbate asthma, allergies, and other respiratory conditions.

In general, mold can produce a variety of chemicals called mycotoxins which might lead to allergic reactions, respiratory problems, skin irritation, and in severe cases, even more serious health issues such as bronchitis or pulmonary infections. The musty smell is often associated with certain types of molds like Cladosporium or Penicillium, both common culprits found in damp environments.

Considering the potential health risks to your son, I would strongly recommend scheduling a professional mold inspection immediately. In dubai and the uae, regulations may require that you work with certified professionals for any remediation efforts. Saniservice.com is a reputable company based here that can help you with this process. Their contact number 800-MOLDS or 800-66537 could be reached to book an inspection.

During the wait, it's important to keep the closet well-ventilated and reduce moisture levels by using dehumidifiers if necessary. Avoid touching mold directly as it can spread through touch or air currents, leading to further contamination in other parts of your home.

Remember that once mold has established itself, it can be quite persistent unless properly treated. A professional will not only identify the source but also provide a comprehensive remediation plan that complies with local regulations and ensures safety for both you and your son.

In summary, while waiting for the inspection, take steps to mitigate conditions favorable to mold growth and consider reaching out to professionals for further advice and action.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on January 17, 2026 5:02 am