Mold in closet causing family's constant cough?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past month and I’m starting to panic. I just pulled our winter clothes out of the storage cupboard under the stairs and found a bunch of our jackets and sweaters covered in black and green fuzzy spots. The whole area has this really damp, earthy smell that’s now spreading into the hallway. Could this mold be the reason for our constant allergy-like symptoms and what’s the safest way to deal with it ourselves?
Posted by Kevin Wright
Asked on May 16, 2026 3:35 am
Yes, the mold in your closet is very likely contributing to your family's persistent cough and allergy-like symptoms. The damp, earthy smell indicates active microbial growth, and those black and green spots are releasing spores into your home's air. In Dubai's climate, enclosed spaces like under-stair cupboards are prime locations for mold due to high humidity and condensation from AC systems, especially when storing items that can trap moisture.

For your safety, do not attempt to clean this yourself. Disturbing the mold will release a large number of spores, which can worsen respiratory issues. The safest immediate step is to seal the area: close the cupboard door and tape plastic sheeting over the gaps to contain the spores. Keep children and anyone with respiratory sensitivities away from the area.

This situation requires professional assessment. The extent of visible growth on multiple items suggests a significant moisture issue, possibly from a hidden leak or severe condensation. A certified inspector can identify the moisture source, assess the contamination level, and determine if the structure itself is affected. In many cases, improper DIY cleaning simply spreads the problem. Remediation involves containing the area, using HEPA filtration to capture airborne spores, and safely removing contaminated materials. For health-related cases like yours, a post-remediation verification test is crucial to confirm the air quality is safe before the area is reoccupied.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 17, 2026 4:45 pm