Is dampness causing poor indoor air quality?« Back to Previous Page

After the rain last month, I noticed a persistent dampness in the corner of our living room. The area where the couch meets the wall always feels cool to touch, even when the rest of the room is warm. My kids have been coughing more frequently lately, and it’s especially worrying since they’re spending so much time indoors these days. Could this be due to poor indoor air quality, or are there simple steps I can take to improve the situation?
Posted by Ashok Chauhan
Asked on February 5, 2026 12:47 pm
0
Yes, dampness can indeed be causing poor indoor air quality and might be the culprit behind your kids' increased coughing. In dubai and uae, it's common to face humidity issues due to our climate. The persistent dampness you've noticed in that corner of your living room could lead to mold growth, which is a major contributor to indoor air pollution.

Mold can release spores into the air as they grow, leading to potential respiratory problems, especially for children and those with allergies or asthma. It's not uncommon for families in dubai to experience these issues after heavy rainfall like you've had last month. The cool feeling your couch gives off could be due to moisture condensation on the wall where it meets.

To address this situation, I'd recommend taking a few steps right away:

1. Ventilation: Ensure that there is adequate ventilation in your home. Using exhaust fans when cooking or bathing and opening windows for short periods can help reduce humidity levels.

2. Drying Out Moist Spots: Address the dampness immediately by drying out any wet spots. You might need a dehumidifier to tackle excessive moisture, especially if it's a recurring issue after rain.

3. Inspection: Given that you're in dubai, it would be wise to have your home inspected for mold and other indoor air quality issues. In the uae, regulations require buildings to meet certain standards of ventilation and air quality, but regular checks can ensure ongoing compliance and safety. You could reach out to a professional inspection company like saniservice or call 800-MOLDS.

4. Cleaning: Regularly clean your home, focusing on areas where mold is likely to grow such as corners behind furniture, bathrooms, and basements. Use products that can kill mold effectively.

5. Sealing Gaps: Seal any gaps in walls or windows which could be allowing moisture in. This might require some maintenance but will help in the long run.

By taking these steps, you should see an improvement in your indoor air quality and possibly a reduction in coughing episodes among your kids. However, if the issue persists despite these actions, it's advisable to seek professional assistance to ensure your home is safe for living.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on February 9, 2026 6:22 pm