Mold in cupboard causing kids' persistent cough?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, mold in a cupboard can absolutely be the cause of your children's persistent cough. The damp, earthy smell confirms active microbial growth, and the black and green spots are likely a mixture of mold species like Cladosporium or Aspergillus. In Dubai's climate, enclosed spaces like under-stair cupboards are high-risk areas for condensation and humidity buildup, especially when storing items that absorb moisture, leading to perfect conditions for mold.

For their health, stop using that cupboard immediately and keep the children away from the area. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach or simple detergents, as this can aerosolize the spores and worsen the air quality, potentially intensifying their respiratory symptoms. The safest initial step is to carefully remove the affected clothing and shoes in sealed plastic bags to prevent spreading spores throughout your home.

Given the children's symptoms and the visible extent of the growth, a professional inspection is strongly advised. They can identify the moisture source—often condensation from AC ducting in walls or groundwater seepage—and assess the air quality. Verifiable remediation involves containment of the area, HEPA vacuuming of spores, and treatment with professional-grade antimicrobial solutions. For health-related cases like this, a lab test to identify the mold species can be crucial information for your family doctor. Always ensure any company you hire provides documented before-and-after testing to verify the environment has been returned to a safe state.