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

The AC in our villa's upstairs bedrooms has been leaking a bit for the last few weeks, and now I'm seeing small black spots around the vent in my toddler's room. Both of my kids have had runny noses and a weird cough that just won't go away since it started. What are the most urgent steps I should take to protect my family's health while we get this sorted?
Posted by Megan Garcia
Asked on April 5, 2026 1:00 am
Based on your description, it is highly probable that the black spots are mold growth, and the persistent respiratory symptoms in your children are a direct health concern. The continuous moisture from the AC leak creates an ideal environment for mold, a significant issue exacerbated by Dubai's high humidity and our reliance on year-round air conditioning.

The most urgent steps are:

1. Immediate Isolation and Airflow: Stop using the affected AC unit immediately to prevent further spreading of spores. Keep the door to the room closed but open windows in other parts of the house to maintain good cross-ventilation, if the outdoor air quality permits.

2. Professional Inspection is Critical: Do not attempt to clean the visible mold yourself. Disturbing it without proper containment protocols will aerosolize the spores, drastically increasing your family's exposure and the contamination throughout your villa. This situation requires a certified mold inspection. Professionals use tools like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to locate the full extent of the water intrusion and borescopes to inspect inside the AC ductwork, which is likely contaminated.

3. Health Precautions: While you arrange for inspection, minimize your children's time in that room. Consider using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter purifier in a common living area to reduce overall airborne spore counts.

The symptoms you describe—chronic runny nose and cough—are classic indicators of mold exposure, particularly in sensitive individuals like toddlers. UAE regulations, such as those outlined by the Dubai Municipality, emphasize the importance of indoor air quality, and professional remediation must adhere to strict guidelines to ensure the problem is resolved safely and completely.

For a comprehensive assessment and a remediation plan that protects your family's health, I strongly recommend you contact our specialists. Call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an immediate inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 6, 2026 11:15 am