Is AC mold causing my child's cough?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's from this damp, musty smell coming from the AC vents in our bedroom. It's been getting worse since the weather turned more humid a couple of months ago, and we wake up with stuffy noses every morning. I'm really worried about mold and what it might be doing to our health, especially for my 4-year-old. Is it common for AC units here to cause this, and who should I call to get it professionally checked for mold?
Posted by Fahad Bin Zayed
Asked on March 19, 2026 10:45 pm
Yes, it is highly probable that mold growth within your AC system is contributing to your child's cough and the symptoms you're describing. This is an extremely common issue here in the UAE, especially during the more humid months.

The combination of our intense heat, which causes AC units to run constantly and produce significant condensation, and high ambient humidity creates the perfect environment for microbial growth inside the ductwork, drip pans, and evaporator coils. When the unit kicks on, it aerosolizes these mold spores and mycotoxins, blowing them directly into your bedroom air, which you and your children then inhale throughout the night. This can absolutely cause persistent respiratory irritation, coughing, and stuffy noses, with young children being particularly susceptible.

You should not attempt to clean this yourself. Disturbing the mold without proper containment can make the problem much worse. The only correct course of action is a professional indoor environmental quality inspection.

A certified team will conduct air and surface sampling to identify the specific mold types and concentration levels, and perform a thorough visual inspection of the entire HVAC system using specialized tools like borescopes. This is crucial for developing an effective remediation plan.

For a proper assessment and to protect your family's health, you need to call a professional. Please contact our team for a comprehensive inspection. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 22, 2026 12:47 pm