Could black mold from our AC cause our sickness?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our bedroom has been leaking a bit for a couple of weeks, and now I've spotted black speckles around the vent on the wall. My husband and I have both had a stubborn sore throat and stuffy noses that just won't clear up, even though it's not cold season. Could this mold be the cause of our symptoms, and what's the first thing we should do about it?
Posted by Hassan Al-Sayed
Asked on March 24, 2026 8:30 pm
Based on your description, it is highly probable that the black speckles around the AC vent are microbial growth, likely mold, and it is a common cause of the persistent respiratory symptoms you and your husband are experiencing, such as sore throats and nasal congestion. The continuous moisture from the leaking AC unit creates an ideal environment for mold spores, which are ever-present in Dubai's humid climate, to colonize. When the AC operates, it can aerosolize these spores and mycotoxins, distributing them throughout the room where they are inhaled.

The first and most critical step is to immediately stop the moisture source. Turn off the AC unit at the circuit breaker to prevent further operation and moisture spread. Do not attempt to clean the visible growth yourself, as disturbing it without proper containment and personal protective equipment can cause a significant release of spores, exacerbating your exposure and potentially contaminating other areas of your home.

In the UAE, addressing mold requires a professional approach due to the specific health risks and to ensure compliance with local housing and health regulations. Proper remediation involves containment of the affected area, use of HEPA filtration devices to capture airborne spores, and specialized techniques for removal and sanitization.

Given your symptoms and the visible contamination, a professional inspection and subsequent remediation are strongly advised. I recommend contacting our specialists at Saniservice for a comprehensive assessment. We can identify the full extent of the growth, even within the AC ductwork, and provide a certified remediation plan to safely restore your indoor air quality.

Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 27, 2026 1:30 pm