Mold behind curtains causing kids' persistent cough in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

The black mold behind your curtains is very likely contributing to your children's persistent cough. In Dubai's high humidity, exterior walls in older Deira buildings are prone to condensation, especially behind curtains and furniture where air circulation is poor. This trapped moisture creates an ideal environment for mold growth, and its spores are a common irritant that can cause coughing, congestion, and worsen allergies.

For a patch you've discovered, the immediate step is to carefully clean it. Wear an N95 mask and gloves. For a small area, a solution of white vinegar or a diluted bleach mixture (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) can be effective. Scrub the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely. However, since the mold is on a wall and the children's symptoms are ongoing, the visible patch may only be part of the problem. Mold can penetrate porous surfaces like drywall and paint.

The most reliable approach is a professional inspection. They can assess the wall's moisture content to find the source and use air and surface sampling to identify the mold type and spore concentration in the room's air. This is crucial, as some species are more problematic than others. In Dubai, proper remediation involves fixing the underlying moisture issue (like sealing a leak or improving insulation on the exterior wall), then containing and removing the contaminated materials. Reputable companies will provide before-and-after lab reports to verify the spore count has been returned to safe levels, which is the only way to be certain the environment is healthy again.