Black mold causing family cough and stuffy nose?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past month and my wife keeps waking up with a stuffy nose. I finally pulled the sofa away from the wall in our living room in Jumeirah and found a huge patch of black mold, probably from a hidden AC condensation leak. Is this likely the cause of our health issues and who should I call first, a cleaning company or an AC technician?
Posted by Joseph Moore
Asked on April 7, 2026 7:58 am
Based on your description, it is highly probable that the black mold you discovered is the primary cause of the persistent respiratory symptoms your family is experiencing, particularly the chronic cough and nasal congestion. The combination of Dubai's high humidity and the constant use of air conditioning creates a perfect environment for mold growth, especially when a hidden condensation leak from the AC unit provides a constant moisture source. The wall behind the sofa created a stagnant, damp microclimate ideal for proliferation.

Your first call should absolutely not be to a general cleaning company. Disturbing the mold through unprofessional cleaning can aerosolize the spores, drastically increasing your family's exposure and potentially contaminating the entire property. An AC technician is also not the first call, as they are not trained in mold assessment or remediation protocols.

The correct and mandated procedure under UAE guidelines is to first engage a certified mold inspection and testing company. A professional assessment is critical to determine the full extent of the contamination, identify the specific species of mold (e.g., the more hazardous Stachybotrys chartarum or common Cladosporium), and confirm the precise source of the moisture. Only after a comprehensive inspection and testing report can a proper remediation plan be executed to safely remove the mold and address the root cause.

For a situation of this severity in Jumeirah, I strongly recommend you contact a specialist immediately. Call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Their certified teams are equipped to conduct the necessary indoor air quality tests, contain the area, perform the remediation to Dubai Municipality standards, and coordinate with vetted AC technicians to permanently fix the leak. Do not delay, as prolonged exposure poses significant health risks.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 8, 2026 9:54 am