Is my AC mold making my child sick?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment seems to be leaking a bit onto the carpet in my son's bedroom, and now we've spotted a black patch of mold behind his wardrobe. My youngest has been wheezing a bit in the mornings and I'm starting to panic that it's connected. What's the best way to handle this safely without putting my family at risk, and should I get a professional company to test it first?
Posted by Seung Yoon
Asked on April 9, 2026 4:33 pm
Based on your description, there is a high probability that the mold growth and your child's respiratory symptoms are connected. The black patch behind the wardrobe is a significant red flag, indicating a persistent moisture issue from the AC leak. The UAE's high humidity, combined with condensation from air conditioning units, creates an ideal environment for mold proliferation. The species commonly found in such conditions, like Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold) or various Aspergillus species, are known to produce mycotoxins and allergens that can cause wheezing, coughing, and other respiratory distress, particularly in children.

For your family's safety, do not attempt to disturb or clean the mold yourself. Improper handling can aerosolize the spores, dramatically increasing the airborne contamination and exacerbating the health risk. The first and most critical step is to engage a professional mold inspection and testing company. Certified inspectors, like those at Saniservice, will conduct a comprehensive assessment that includes air quality sampling and surface swabs to identify the specific mold species and the concentration levels in the air your son is breathing. This data is crucial for determining the appropriate remediation protocol and for documenting the issue, which may be required by your building management.

Following the inspection, a professional remediation plan is essential. This involves isolating the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure, safely removing the affected materials (carpet, drywall), and using industrial-grade HEPA filtration and antimicrobial agents to clean and hygienize the area. The AC unit itself must also be inspected, cleaned, and remediated to prevent recurrence.

Given the immediate health symptoms, I strongly recommend you seek professional evaluation without delay. For a certified inspection and a detailed remediation plan, please call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Their team is equipped to handle this situation safely and in compliance with Dubai Municipality's public health and environmental standards.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 10, 2026 11:06 pm