Is mold causing our sickness and how to remove it safely?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, the black mold behind your sofa is very likely causing the persistent coughing and headaches. In Dubai's humid climate, AC condensation creates constant moisture against exterior walls, which is a perfect environment for mold growth. The spores become airborne and act as respiratory irritants, especially affecting children and those with sensitivities.

For a patch that large and given your family's symptoms, professional remediation is strongly advised. Disturbing it yourself risks spreading a high concentration of spores throughout your apartment. Professionals use containment barriers, HEPA filtration units to capture airborne spores, and specialized antimicrobial treatments to address the root cause.

The most critical step is to fix the moisture source. The AC drip line is likely clogged or improperly drained, which is a common issue here. You must get that repaired immediately; otherwise, the mold will return. For proper identification and to understand the health risk, a lab test can confirm the mold species.

After remediation, improve air circulation in that corner and consider a dehumidifier to keep humidity below 60%, as Dubai's climate often keeps indoor levels higher than that. Your landlord is responsible for providing a habitable property under Dubai law, which includes addressing issues like chronic dampness and mold caused by faulty AC systems.