Found black mold causing coughs, who to call first?« Back to Previous Page

Call building maintenance first. They need to fix the AC leak immediately, as that is the source of the moisture causing the mold. Without stopping the leak, any cleaning is temporary.

For a patch large enough to cause persistent coughs, professional remediation is strongly advised. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as disturbing it can release a high concentration of spores into the air, potentially worsening your family's symptoms. In Dubai's climate, with high humidity and constant AC use, hidden condensation leaks are a common cause of such issues.

A certified mold inspector can assess the full extent, often using moisture meters and thermal imaging to find hidden dampness you can't see. They should provide a clear protocol for safe containment and removal, preventing cross-contamination to other parts of your home. The goal is to identify the species and the scope of the problem.

After remediation, a third-party clearance test, ideally involving air and surface samples analyzed by an accredited microbiology lab, is the only way to verify the indoor environment has been returned to a safe state. This documented result is your proof that the issue has been resolved. For health-related cases, this validation step is critical.