Is my son's cough from dangerous AC mold in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our villa in Al Barsha has been leaking a bit for a couple of months, and now we’ve found black spots of mold along the wall behind the wardrobe. My youngest has had a runny nose and a nagging cough for weeks that just won’t go away, and I’m starting to get really worried there’s a connection. **Is this type of mold especially dangerous, and should I take my son to a specific type of doctor here to get checked out?**
Posted by Ashley Davis
Asked on April 21, 2026 7:35 pm
A persistent cough and runny nose in a child, combined with visible mold from an AC leak, are strong indicators of a connection. The constant high humidity in Dubai creates an ideal environment for mold growth, particularly in enclosed spaces like behind furniture where leaks occur. The black spots are likely Stachybotrys or Cladosporium, types commonly found in water-damaged buildings here that can irritate the respiratory system.

You should schedule a visit with a pediatrician or an allergist and explicitly mention the discovered mold and ongoing AC leak. They can assess if his symptoms are an allergic reaction or something requiring further treatment. For the environment, a professional mold inspection is the next step. They will identify the exact species and the extent of the growth, which is often hidden inside walls from a leak that old. Remediation involves first fixing the AC leak at its source, then properly removing the contaminated materials and treating the area to prevent recurrence.

The Dubai Municipality has clear guidelines on indoor air quality, and addressing this is crucial for your family's health, especially for children who are more susceptible.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 22, 2026 9:41 am