Is the mold from my AC dangerous in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

The AC unit in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment has been leaking a bit for a couple of months, and now I’m finding black spots on the wall behind the bedroom curtain. I’ve been waking up with a stuffy nose and a headache every morning for the last week, and I'm starting to worry. Is this kind of mold dangerous, and who should I call to get it properly tested and removed in Dubai?
Posted by Gary Miller
Asked on March 31, 2026 2:05 am
Black spots from an AC leak are often Stachybotrys or Cladosporium, which can cause the symptoms you describe—morning congestion and headaches are common reactions to mold spores in the air. In Dubai's high humidity, AC units that leak create a constant damp environment where mold thrives, making this a frequent issue.

For a confirmed diagnosis, the wall cavity and AC drip pan need professional inspection and lab testing to identify the species. This is important as some types produce mycotoxins that pose a greater health risk, especially in a bedroom where exposure is prolonged.

You should first notify your JVC building management, as the leak may originate from the building's central AC system, which is their responsibility to repair. For the assessment and remediation, call a Dubai municipality-approved mold inspection company. They will use moisture meters and thermal cameras to find the full extent of the moisture and take air/surface samples for a certified microbiology lab to analyze. Proper remediation involves containing the area, removing contaminated materials like drywall, and HEPA vacuuming, not just wiping the surface.

Ensure the company provides a detailed report with lab results and a clearance test after work is complete to verify the spore count has returned to safe levels. Fixing the AC leak is the critical first step to prevent it from happening again.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 2, 2026 3:49 pm