Is bedroom mold causing my husband's cough?« Back to Previous Page

The AC unit in our bedroom in Jumeirah seems to be constantly leaking, and now I’ve spotted black patches of mold growing on the wall behind the headboard. My husband has been waking up with a stuffy nose and a cough for the past two weeks, and it’s not getting any better. Is this mold the likely cause of his symptoms, and who should I call first to properly fix this, the building management or a specialized cleaning company?
Posted by Linda Martin
Asked on March 28, 2026 12:06 am
Based on your description of the situation in your Jumeirah bedroom, it is highly probable that the mold growth is the primary cause of your husband's persistent cough and stuffy nose. The constant AC leakage has created a persistent moisture source, which, combined with Dubai's high ambient humidity and the organic material in wall paint or plaster, provides the perfect conditions for mold proliferation. The black patches you see are likely Stachybotrys chartarum or Aspergillus niger, both of which are known to produce mycotoxins and spores that are significant respiratory irritants and allergens, especially when exposure is prolonged during sleep in an enclosed space.

In this scenario, you must address both the symptom (the mold) and the root cause (the AC leak). Your first call should be to your building management or landlord. Under Dubai Municipality regulations, they are responsible for the maintenance of the building's structural components and central AC systems. They must dispatch a technician to repair the leak at its source. However, do not allow them to simply wipe the mold away. This is a common but ineffective practice that disturbs the spores and spreads them without addressing the contamination.

Once the leak is permanently fixed, you must contact a specialized mold remediation company like Saniservice. We are certified to conduct a professional inspection, including air and surface sampling, to determine the full extent of the contamination, which often spreads behind walls. Our remediation process involves containment, professional-grade antimicrobial application, HEPA filtration, and removal of affected porous materials to ensure the mold is eradicated, not just superficially cleaned. For immediate assistance and to schedule a professional inspection, please call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 30, 2026 9:43 am