Urgent: Black mold making kids cough, need professional help?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's from the black mold that's been growing in the corner of our master bedroom closet in our villa in Jumeirah. It started as a small patch after that really humid spell we had last month, but now it's spread to a few of our leather handbags and shoes stored in there. I'm really worried about how quickly it's getting worse and if this is something we need to get professionally treated like, this week, or if we can handle it ourselves over the weekend?
Posted by David Martin
Asked on May 23, 2026 7:59 pm
Black mold exposure can definitely cause respiratory irritation like coughing, especially in children. Given the rapid spread to personal items and the health symptoms, this warrants immediate professional assessment.

In Dubai's climate, high humidity trapped in enclosed spaces like closets creates an ideal environment for mold. The fact it's spreading to leather goods indicates a significant moisture issue, likely from that humid period combined with lack of ventilation. Do not attempt a DIY cleanup now—disturbing it will release more spores into the air your family breathes.

For a case this advanced with health symptoms, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. They will identify the moisture source (often condensation from an AC duct or a minor leak), contain the area to prevent cross-contamination, and safely remove the affected materials. They should also provide a post-remediation verification test to confirm the air quality is safe. Look for a provider that uses lab analysis to identify the mold species and can show you documented results.

Until help arrives, keep the closet closed and the room well-ventilated. Consider relocating your children to another part of the villa if the coughing persists.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 25, 2026 9:55 am