Is AC mold causing our persistent cough and stuffy nose?« Back to Previous Page

Black spots spreading from a persistent AC leak are almost certainly mold, and your symptoms are a common reaction. The constant moisture from the drip, combined with Dubai's high humidity and the dark, stagnant air behind furniture, creates an ideal environment for mold growth. The most prevalent types here, like Cladosporium and Aspergillus, are known to cause the exact respiratory irritation, persistent cough, and nasal congestion you're describing.

You should treat this as a potential health concern and address it promptly. Move the headboard away from the wall immediately to improve air circulation and prevent further spore exposure. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this can aerosolize spores and worsen the problem for a temporary visual fix. The AC unit itself and its drip pan are also likely contaminated and require professional cleaning to stop the source of moisture and growth.

For a situation like this, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. They can identify the full extent of the growth inside the wall cavity and AC system, which is not visible to you. A proper remediation plan from a certified provider will include containing the area, removing the contaminated materials, and using HEPA filtration to clean the air. Verifiable before-and-after surface or air quality testing is the only way to confirm the environment is safe again. Your symptoms should improve significantly once the source is removed.