Could mold cause our symptoms?« Back to Previous Page
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After the rain last month, I noticed a musty smell coming from our shared living area downstairs. My kids have been complaining of headaches and sneezing every time we go down there to use the laundry room. The air feels heavy and itchy whenever someone opens the door. Could this be due to mold or mildew? What should I do about it?
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Could mold cause our symptoms?
Yes, it's quite possible that the musty smell and the unpleasant air quality you're experiencing could be due to mold or mildew. After heavy rain, especially in the UAE where humidity can sometimes spike, moisture can get trapped in shared spaces like laundry rooms. This provides an ideal breeding ground for molds which thrive in damp conditions. In Dubai and the UAE, it's not uncommon for such issues to arise after rainfall. However, given your symptoms - headaches, sneezing, and a heavy, itchy feeling when entering the area - these could indeed be mold-related. Mold can produce allergens that may trigger allergic reactions or exacerbate existing ones. In some cases, certain types of molds might also release toxins known as mycotoxins which can cause respiratory issues. Given your symptoms, it's important to have a professional inspection conducted to confirm if mold is the culprit. The Abu Dhabi Environment Agency (EDA) and Dubai Municipality both require building owners to maintain indoor air quality standards that are in line with international guidelines such as WHO’s Indoor Air Quality Guidelines for Healthy Buildings. While these regulations don't directly cover mold, ensuring your home meets their requirements will help mitigate potential health issues. I would recommend reaching out to a professional environmental remediation company like Saniservice. They can provide you with a detailed inspection and treatment plan if necessary. Their contact details are 800-MOLDS or 800-66537, or you can email them at hello@saniservice.com. In the meantime, try to limit your exposure by minimizing time spent in that area. If possible, keep a fan running to help circulate and dry out the air. Also, consider using an air purifier equipped with HEPA filters which can trap mold spores and other allergens from the air. Remember, addressing potential mold issues promptly is crucial for maintaining good indoor air quality and ensuring your family’s health in such humid conditions as we might experience in Dubai. |
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