Is Dubai mold causing our family's sickness?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, the black mold under your carpet is very likely the cause of your family's persistent coughing and headaches. In Dubai's climate, where high humidity and year-round AC use create constant condensation, hidden mold growth from slow leaks is a common issue. The spores released by active colonies are respiratory irritants, and prolonged exposure, especially for children, can lead to the exact symptoms you're describing.

For a patch you describe as "huge," professional remediation is the safest approach. Do not attempt to remove it yourself, as disturbing it will release a massive cloud of spores throughout your villa. The process requires containment, professional-grade HEPA filtration to capture spores, and safe disposal of contaminated materials like that carpet and its underlay.

In Dubai, look for a provider that follows internationally recognized guidelines like IICRC S520. The most credible companies will conduct pre- and post-remediation testing to verify the spore count in your indoor air has been returned to safe, ambient levels—this is the only way to confirm the job was done correctly. Given the clear moisture source (the AC leak), that must be repaired by an HVAC technician first; otherwise, the mold will return quickly. A proper inspection can map the full extent of the damage, which is often wider than what's immediately visible.