Is AC mold causing my husband's respiratory issues?« Back to Previous Page
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The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle has been leaking a little, and now I've spotted black patches of mold on the wall behind the bedroom curtain. My husband has had a constant stuffy nose and a cough for the past three weeks, and I'm starting to get worried it's connected. Is this type of mold from the AC likely to be the cause of his respiratory issues, and who should I call first, the landlord or a professional cleaning company?
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It is very likely the mold from the AC leak is contributing to your husband's persistent respiratory issues. The continuous moisture from a leaking unit creates an ideal environment for mold, and the spores become aerosolized, circulating directly into the bedroom air. In Dubai's climate, where we rely on AC year-round, any internal leak can rapidly lead to a colony that causes irritation, congestion, and coughing, especially in sensitive individuals.
You should first document the issue with clear photographs and notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately. According to typical Dubai rental regulations, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the AC unit and fixing the leak—the source of the problem. However, for the mold remediation itself, you will need a professional mold inspection and testing company. Do not attempt to clean significant growth yourself, as disturbing it can release a high concentration of spores. A proper assessment involves identifying the mold species through lab analysis to understand the health risk and using tools like moisture meters to map the extent of the damage behind the wall. The remediation process must address the hidden moisture and contamination, not just the visible spots on the surface. Resolving the leak is the critical first step; only then can the affected building materials be properly treated or replaced to prevent recurrence. |
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