Is kids' cough frm AC mold dangerous? Fix fast?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our villa in Jumeirah has been leaking a bit for a while, and now I’ve found patches of black mould in the closet of my kids’ bedroom. Both of them have had a persistent cough for the last two weeks that just won’t go away, even with medicine. I’m starting to get really worried it’s connected. How dangerous is this kind of mould and what’s the fastest way to deal with it properly?
Posted by Giulia Visser
Asked on April 13, 2026 2:00 pm
A persistent cough in children linked to visible mould is a significant health concern that should be addressed immediately. The black patches in the closet are a clear sign of a moisture issue, likely from the AC leak. In Dubai's climate, constant AC use creates condensation, and any leak provides the perfect damp environment for mould to thrive.

While not all mould is toxic, many common types found in AC systems and damp indoor areas can cause respiratory irritation, allergic reactions, and exacerbate asthma. Children are particularly susceptible due to their developing respiratory systems. A cough that persists for weeks despite medication is a strong indicator their bodies are reacting to an environmental irritant.

The fastest and most effective way to deal with this is a two-step process. First, stop the moisture source. A qualified HVAC technician must repair the AC leak to prevent the problem from recurring. Second, the affected area needs professional mould remediation. For a children's bedroom, DIY cleaning is not advised as it can disturb spores and spread them. Professionals will contain the area, safely remove the contaminated materials like drywall or insulation, and HEPA-vacuum to clear the air.

After remediation, a post-testing inspection by a company with its own microbiology lab is the only way to verify the spore count in the air has returned to a safe level. This ensures the environment is truly healthy for your children again.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 15, 2026 2:39 pm