Is our bedroom mold causing headaches and stuffy noses?« Back to Previous Page

Our AC unit in the bedroom closet has been leaking a bit for a while, and now I’ve spotted black patches of mold on the back wall and inside the wardrobe. My husband and I have both been waking up with stuffy noses and headaches for the past month. Is this type of mold in a Dubai apartment likely causing our symptoms, and who should I call to get it properly cleaned—the building management or a special company?
Posted by Hans Becker
Asked on March 25, 2026 7:12 pm
Based on your description, it is highly probable that the mold growth from the AC leak is the direct cause of your persistent headaches and stuffy noses. These are classic symptoms of mold exposure, resulting from the inhalation of mycotoxins and microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) released by actively colonizing fungi. The confined space of a bedroom, combined with prolonged exposure during sleep, significantly increases the concentration of these irritants you are breathing.

The black patches you describe are characteristic of Cladosporium or Stachybotrys chartarum (often referred to as "black mold"), both of which are common in Dubai due to our high humidity levels and constant AC use. AC units are a frequent source of condensation, creating the perfect damp microenvironment for mold to thrive, especially within closets and on cold walls where airflow is restricted.

For a situation involving visible growth and correlating health symptoms, a professional inspection is absolutely essential. Building management is typically responsible for fixing the source of the leak—the AC unit itself. However, the actual mold remediation must be handled by a specialized environmental company. Improper cleaning, such as bleaching the surface, will not address the root colonization and can aerosolize spores, worsening the problem.

I strongly recommend you call a certified mold inspection and remediation provider. They will conduct a comprehensive assessment, including air and surface sampling to identify the species and spore count, and then execute a controlled remediation process following industry standards like the IICRC S520. For immediate assistance, you can contact Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. They are equipped to handle both the diagnostic testing and the complete, safe removal of the biological contamination.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 28, 2026 9:47 am