Is our AC mold causing our cough?« Back to Previous Page

It is highly probable the mold is causing your symptoms. The black spots behind the unit are a clear visual indicator, and the persistent cough and congestion are classic reactions to mold exposure, especially in a confined space like a bedroom where you spend hours breathing the air.

In Dubai's climate, AC units are a primary source of indoor mold. The constant cycle of condensation creates a damp environment perfect for mold growth, particularly if a leak has been present for months. The first thing you should do is stop using that AC unit immediately to prevent further circulation of spores.

Do not attempt to clean the visible mold yourself with bleach or other cleaners, as this can agitate the spores and worsen air quality. For a situation involving a leak, visible growth, and health symptoms, a professional inspection is necessary. They will identify the full extent of the growth (which often spreads inside wall cavities behind what you see) and the source of the moisture—in this case, the AC leak, which must be repaired first.

The inspector should perform air and surface sampling to be analyzed by a microbiology lab. This identifies the mold species and spore concentration, which confirms the health risk and provides a baseline for remediation. Proper remediation involves containment of the area, safe removal of contaminated materials, and HEPA filtration to clean the air, followed by post-remediation verification testing to ensure the problem is resolved.