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

Yes, the black mold from your AC leak is very likely causing or significantly worsening your persistent cough. The continuous moisture from the leak creates an ideal environment for mold growth, and the AC unit then aerosolizes the spores, circulating them directly into the air you breathe while you sleep.

In Dubai's climate, where we rely on AC year-round and high humidity is common, this scenario is unfortunately frequent. The constant condensation within AC units, combined with any water leak, provides the perfect conditions for mold to thrive. The most common types found in such situations, like Cladosporium or Aspergillus, are known respiratory irritants that can cause exactly the symptoms you describe: a persistent dry cough, throat irritation, and congestion.

You absolutely need to address this with your landlord first. According to typical tenancy contracts in the UAE, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the property's structure and essential systems, which includes fixing the AC leak that is causing the damage. Inform them in writing, with photos of the mold and the leak, and request immediate remediation.

Do not attempt to clean significant mold growth yourself with bleach or other store-bought solutions. Disturbing it without proper containment can cause a massive release of spores, worsening your exposure. For a case like this, a professional inspection is warranted to assess the full extent of the growth behind the wall and within the AC unit itself. A proper remediation will involve fixing the water source, containing the area, safely removing the contaminated materials, and a thorough cleaning of the AC system with verification, often through post-remediation testing, that the spore count has returned to a normal level. Your health symptoms are a clear indicator that this situation requires professional attention.