Mold in apartment causing kids' cough: doctor visit needed?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, you should take your children to a doctor. Continuous coughing for a month is a significant health concern that needs a medical evaluation. Describe the mold exposure to the doctor, as this information is critical for their diagnosis. The symptoms you describe—persistent cough and cold-like issues—are commonly reported with prolonged exposure to damp environments and mold spores.

The black, fuzzy growth behind your sofa is a serious indicator of a moisture problem, likely exacerbated by the AC drip. In Dubai's high humidity, AC units that are not draining properly create a constant source of moisture, which is all mold needs to thrive. The damp, earthy smell confirms active microbial growth, which releases spores into the air your family breathes.

For your children's immediate health, a doctor's visit is the first step. For the apartment, this requires urgent action. Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as disturbing it will aerosolize a high concentration of spores. You need a professional inspection to identify the moisture source (like the faulty AC drain line), assess the extent of growth within the wall cavity, and safely contain and remove the contaminated materials. In serious cases like this, a company with its own microbiology lab can identify the mold species, which can be useful information for your physician.

Simultaneously, inform your building management in writing. Dubai's rental laws and health regulations often place responsibility on landlords to address issues like chronic water leakage that affect habitability. Document the issue with photos before any remediation begins.