Found black mold from AC leak, what are immediate steps?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past two weeks, especially at night, and I’m starting to panic. I just pulled their wooden toy chest away from the wall in our Sharjah apartment and found a huge patch of black mold hidden behind it, probably from a small AC leak we didn't notice. What are the immediate steps I need to take to keep my family safe while we get this sorted?
Posted by William Anderson
Asked on March 17, 2026 6:16 pm
Given the discovery of black mold due to an AC leak in your Sharjah apartment, your immediate action is critical, especially with children presenting respiratory symptoms. The UAE's high humidity and constant AC use create ideal conditions for such mold growth, often hidden behind furniture where condensation accumulates.

Your first step is to isolate the area. Do not disturb the mold, as this will release a massive number of spores into the air. Keep your children and any vulnerable family members completely away from the affected room. Second, address the moisture source. Shut off the AC unit servicing that room and have the leak repaired immediately by a certified HVAC technician to prevent further growth.

Do not attempt to clean the mold yourself with bleach or other household products. Ineffective cleaning can aggravate the problem and pose significant health risks. For a contaminated porous item like a wooden toy chest, professional assessment is required to determine if it can be salvaged or must be disposed of.

The persistent coughing you describe is a classic symptom of mold exposure. Given the extent of the growth and the health impacts already evident, this is a serious case that requires professional intervention. We strongly recommend a certified mold inspection to determine the full extent of contamination, including air quality testing for spore counts.

For immediate professional assessment and remediation, please contact our team. We are certified in accordance with Dubai Municipality and UAE health and safety guidelines. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an emergency inspection. Our experts will contain the area, safely remove the contaminated materials, and implement solutions to prevent recurrence.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 19, 2026 8:02 am