Mold behind sofa causing kids' cough - see doctor now?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, you should take your children to a doctor for an evaluation. The timing and location strongly suggest the mold is the cause of their persistent respiratory symptoms. In Dubai's humid climate, especially in older Deira buildings, hidden mold growth from AC condensation leaks is a common trigger for chronic coughing, congestion, and allergy-like illnesses.

For the mold itself, this is a serious case requiring professional assessment. Do not attempt to clean a large patch yourself, as disturbing it will release a massive amount of spores into your apartment's air. The priority is to identify and stop the moisture source—likely a clogged AC drain line or a leak in the unit's insulation. A certified mold inspector can use moisture meters and thermal imaging to pinpoint the exact leak and assess the full extent of the growth, which often spreads inside walls.

You will need a remediation plan that includes containment of the area, HEPA-filtered air scrubbing, and safe removal of contaminated materials. The Dubai Municipality has guidelines for indoor air quality, and reputable providers should follow standards like the IICRC S520 for mold remediation. After remediation, a clearance test from an independent lab is the only way to verify the spore count in the air has returned to a safe level. In the meantime, keep the children out of that room, improve cross-ventilation if possible, and run any dehumidifiers you have.