Is black mold causing our sickness in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past month and I've been getting terrible headaches. I finally pulled our sofa away from the wall in the living room and found a huge patch of black, fuzzy mold spreading behind it, probably from a hidden AC leak. We spend most of our time in this room. Could this mold be the reason we're all feeling so sick, and what's the safest way to get it professionally removed here in Dubai?
Posted by Manoj Pillai
Asked on May 2, 2026 7:50 am
Yes, the black mold behind your sofa is very likely the cause of your family's persistent coughing and headaches. This is a common scenario in Dubai, where high humidity and hidden AC condensation leaks create ideal conditions for mold growth. The constant exposure in a room you frequently use directly explains the onset of symptoms.

For a patch you describe as "huge," professional remediation is the safest course of action. Disturbing it yourself can aerosolize a massive amount of spores, significantly worsening your air quality and symptoms. In Dubai, look for a company that follows IICRC S520 standards for mold remediation. The critical steps they should take include: setting up containment with negative air pressure to prevent spores from spreading to other parts of your home, using HEPA-filtered air scrubbers to clean the air, safely removing and disposing of contaminated porous materials (like drywall or insulation), and then treating the area with antimicrobial solutions.

Crucially, the process is not complete without identifying and fixing the moisture source. A reputable provider will help you locate and repair the AC leak; otherwise, the mold will return. After remediation, consider a post-clearance test to verify the spore count in the room has returned to a normal background level, giving you peace of mind that the environment is safe again for your family.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 3, 2026 3:11 am