Mold causing our cough and headaches? How to remove safely?« 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 our Deira apartment and found a huge patch of black, fuzzy mold spreading from the corner where the AC unit drips. It's been so humid lately that it just exploded. Could this be the reason we're all feeling so sick, and what's the safest way to get rid of it quickly?
Posted by Dieter Van Dijk
Asked on May 5, 2026 10:30 am
Yes, the black mold behind your sofa is very likely causing your family's persistent coughs and headaches. In Dubai's high humidity, AC condensation creates constant dampness, which is ideal for mold growth. The fuzzy black patch indicates active colonization, and its spores are now in your air, directly irritating respiratory systems and sinuses.

For your safety, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Disturbing it will release a massive cloud of spores, worsening your symptoms and contaminating other areas. The safest first step is to have a professional inspection, which includes air and surface sampling. This identifies the mold species and spore concentration to confirm the health risk and guide the proper remediation protocol.

In Dubai, remediation for a case like this isn't just cleaning; it requires full containment. Professionals will seal the area with plastic sheeting, use negative air pressure machines to prevent spore spread, and employ HEPA vacuums and antimicrobial treatments. The underlying moisture problem—likely the AC drain line or insulation issue—must also be fixed, or the mold will return quickly.

Until help arrives, improve ventilation in the room by opening windows if outdoor humidity is lower, and try to keep the area as dry as possible. Move your family to a different room to minimize exposure. For verified results, ensure the company you hire provides before-and-after lab reports to confirm the air quality is safe.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 7, 2026 8:38 am