Urgent: mold exposure and kids' cough need doctor?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past two weeks and I’m starting to panic. I just pulled out a bag of winter clothes from the back of our built-in wardrobe in the master bedroom and found a bunch of our sweaters covered in black, fuzzy spots. We’re in an older building in Jumeirah and the room always feels a bit damp. How urgent is it that we see a doctor and get this professionally cleaned, or is this something I can handle myself over the weekend?
Posted by John Lewis
Asked on May 24, 2026 1:25 am
Yes, see your family doctor promptly. The persistent cough coinciding with visible mold discovery is a significant health signal, especially for children. Document the mold with photos to show the doctor. They can assess if the cough is an allergic reaction or requires further treatment.

The mold on your clothes is a clear indicator of a serious humidity problem within the wardrobe structure, common in older Dubai buildings where year-round AC use can create condensation traps. This is not a surface issue you can simply wipe away; the hidden growth within the walls is likely feeding the visible spores.

Do not attempt to clean this yourself over the weekend. Disturbing it without proper containment will aerosolize a high concentration of spores, potentially worsening your children's exposure and spreading the problem throughout your home. For a built-in wardrobe in a damp room, professional inspection and remediation are urgent.

The priority is to identify the moisture source—often a condensate drain line leak or inadequate insulation in the external wall. A reputable inspector will use moisture meters and borescopes to assess the cavity and can perform air and surface sampling to identify the mold species, which informs the remediation protocol. In Dubai, look for providers who can explain their process clearly and provide verifiable, documented results from an accredited lab.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 24, 2026 2:47 pm