Could our AC leak and mold be causing our symptoms?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, the AC leak and subsequent mold growth are a very likely cause of your symptoms. The persistent moisture from a leaking AC unit creates an ideal environment for mold, especially in Dubai's climate where high humidity prevents it from drying naturally. The black spots behind the wardrobe are a clear visual indicator of a colony, and the stuffy noses and sore throats you're experiencing are classic reactions to inhaling mold spores circulating in the air.

Given the symptoms and visible growth, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. In an apartment, the mold behind the wardrobe is likely just the visible portion; the leak may have allowed moisture and growth inside the wall cavity or the AC system itself, which requires specialized equipment to properly assess. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this can aggravate the spores and worsen air quality without addressing the root moisture problem.

The first step is to have your building's maintenance team fix the AC leak immediately to stop the moisture source. For the assessment, look for a provider that uses moisture meters and thermal imaging to find hidden dampness and can take air or surface samples for lab analysis to identify the mold type. This evidence is often necessary for building management to take comprehensive remedial action. Managing indoor humidity with properly serviced AC units is critical in the UAE to prevent this issue from recurring.