Mold in Dubai causing kids' cough and how to remove?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, the mold on your clothes is very likely contributing to your children's persistent cough and cold-like symptoms. In Dubai's climate, the dampness left by winter rains, combined with high humidity and constant AC use, creates ideal conditions for mold growth in enclosed spaces like closets. The black, fuzzy spots are actively releasing spores into the air, which are respiratory irritants, especially for children.

The fastest and safest way to handle this involves immediate containment and professional assessment. Start by sealing the moldy bag of clothes in a plastic bag and removing it from the home to prevent further spore dispersal. Do not attempt to clean the items yourself, as this can aerosolize the spores. Keep the children out of that room and increase ventilation by opening windows if outdoor humidity is low.

For a situation involving child health and visible growth, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. They can identify the moisture source (often condensation from AC ducts or a residual leak) and assess the full extent of the growth, which is often not limited to just the visible surface. DIY cleaning with bleach is ineffective on porous materials and doesn't address the root moisture problem.

Proper remediation involves containing the area, using HEPA filtration to capture airborne spores, removing contaminated porous materials like the affected clothing and possibly drywall, and applying specialized antimicrobial treatments. The final, critical step is a post-remediation verification test, often conducted by a third-party lab, to confirm the spore count in the air has returned to acceptable levels before the room is reoccupied. Addressing the underlying cause, such as improving ventilation or fixing an AC condensate drain issue, is essential to prevent it from returning.