Mold under carpet causing kids' constant cough?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past two weeks and I’m starting to panic. I just pulled back the corner of the carpet in our bedroom in Jumeirah and found a huge patch of black, fuzzy mold underneath, probably from a slow AC leak we never noticed. Could this be the reason for their constant runny noses and sore throats? How urgent is it that we get this professionally cleaned, and should I take them to a doctor specifically for mold exposure?
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Black mold under carpet from an AC leak is a very likely cause of your children's persistent coughs, runny noses, and sore throats. The damp, dark environment created by a slow leak is ideal for mold growth, and the spores become airborne as you walk over the carpet, directly affecting indoor air quality.
Given Dubai's high humidity and year-round reliance on AC systems, condensation and hidden leaks are common. This situation is urgent. You should first restrict access to the room to prevent further spore inhalation. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as disturbing it will release a massive amount of spores throughout your home. A professional inspection is critical. They will identify the exact moisture source (the AC leak and any potential water damage in the slab) and assess the full extent of the growth, which is often larger than what's visible. Remediation involves containing the area, safely removing the contaminated carpet and padding, and thoroughly HEPA-vacuuming and drying the subfloor. For your children's health, consulting a doctor is advisable. Inform them of the potential mold exposure; they can evaluate if the symptoms are allergy-related or if further action is needed. In the UAE, some remediation companies partner with accredited labs to provide air quality testing before and after the work, giving you verifiable proof that the environment has been returned to a safe state. |
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