Is mold causing my kids' cough in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

It is very likely the mold is contributing to your children's persistent cough, especially given the recent humidity spike. High humidity creates the perfect environment for mold spores to proliferate, and common species found in Dubai homes, like Cladosporium and Aspergillus, are known respiratory irritants that can worsen allergies and asthma.

The fastest and safest approach for a situation like yours, with visible growth and occupants experiencing symptoms, is a professional remediation. For a contained area behind a wardrobe, a reputable company can often complete the job within a day without requiring you to vacate, provided they use proper engineering controls. The critical steps they should follow are containment of the affected area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to prevent spores from spreading, HEPA vacuuming and physical removal of the moldy material, followed by antimicrobial cleaning of the underlying surface. The entire process should be validated with before-and-after air quality testing to confirm spore counts have returned to normal indoor levels.

Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this can aerosolize the spores and make the problem worse. Before moving the wardrobe back, ensure the wall is completely dry and identify the source of the moisture—often condensation from an AC unit or a small, hidden leak. A professional inspection can pinpoint this moisture source to prevent rapid regrowth. For immediate relief, run a dehumidifier in the children's room and ensure your AC unit's filters are clean and the drain pan is not clogged.