Can AC mold cause headaches and stuffy nose?« Back to Previous Page

The AC unit in my bedroom in our Jumeirah apartment has been leaking for a couple of months, and now I can see black spots spreading on the wall behind the curtain. I've been waking up with a stuffy nose and a headache that won't go away, and I'm starting to get really worried. Is this kind of persistent mold exposure from an AC leak known to cause these specific symptoms, and what's the first step I should take with my landlord to get it properly fixed?
Posted by Mark Hill
Asked on March 27, 2026 11:52 pm
Yes, absolutely. An AC unit leaking and causing mold growth is a very common cause of the exact symptoms you're describing – persistent headaches and a stuffy nose, especially upon waking. The black spots you see are almost certainly Cladosporium or Stachybotrys (black mold), both of which are prevalent in Dubai due to our high humidity and AC-dependent climate.

When the AC leaks, it creates constant dampness inside your wall cavity, the perfect environment for mold. The AC unit then acts as a blower, disseminating microscopic mold spores and mycotoxins throughout the room air. Inhaling these contaminants triggers an inflammatory response in your respiratory system, leading to sinus congestion, pressure headaches, fatigue, and allergic reactions. Your prolonged exposure is a significant health concern.

Your first step is immediate, documented communication with your landlord or property management company. Under Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (Regulating Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai), the landlord is obligated to maintain the property in a habitable condition, which includes addressing issues that affect health and safety, like persistent water damage and mold.

Send a formal email with clear photos of the leak, the black mold growth, and a description of your health symptoms. Request immediate, professional remediation. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this can agitate the spores and worsen airborne contamination.

Given the extent of the growth (spreading behind walls) and your health reaction, this is a serious case that requires professional inspection and remediation. We need to identify the exact moisture source, contain the area to prevent cross-contamination, and safely remove the affected materials. I strongly recommend you call our certified team for a comprehensive inspection and lab analysis. We can provide an official report to give to your landlord, detailing the necessary corrective actions.

Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an assessment. Your health shouldn't be compromised.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 29, 2026 6:53 pm