Is mold in AC causing our illness? Who cleans it?« Back to Previous Page

Based on your description, the black dust and your symptoms are very likely connected. The damp, earthy smell and the visible growth are classic indicators of microbial colonization in your AC system. The stuffy sinuses and sore throats that improve when you leave are a common reaction to inhaling spores and microbial fragments circulated by the AC unit.

In Dubai's climate, this is a frequent issue. The constant high humidity and condensation inside AC ducts create an ideal environment for mold if there's any organic dust for it to feed on. The system essentially aerosolizes the contaminants directly into your sleeping environment.

Regarding responsibility, it typically depends on the system's ownership. For a central building chiller system serving multiple units, the maintenance of the main ducts and air handling units is usually the building management's responsibility under Dubai's Strata Law. However, the final distribution ducts and the vent covers inside your specific apartment are often the tenant's or owner's responsibility to keep clean.

Your first step should be to formally notify your building management or landlord in writing, detailing the issue and your health symptoms. They should arrange for an inspection. For a problem of this nature, a basic visual clean isn't sufficient. A professional inspection with surface or air sampling can identify the species and extent of the contamination, which dictates the correct remediation method. This is crucial, as improper cleaning can disturb spores and temporarily make the problem much worse.