Is AC mold causing our sickness and who to call?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment seems to be blowing out a dusty, damp smell, and for the past couple of weeks, my wife and I have been waking up with stuffy noses and sore throats. I finally pulled the vent cover off in our bedroom and found a patch of black, fuzzy growth around the edges. We've lived in this Jumeirah Village Triangle villa for two years and never had this issue before. **Could this black mold in our AC be the reason we're feeling sick, and who should I call to get it properly tested and cleaned?**
Posted by Junho Guo
Asked on May 8, 2026 6:54 am
Yes, the black mold in your AC is very likely causing your symptoms. The damp, musty smell and the physical irritation you're experiencing—stuffy noses and sore throats—are classic signs of mold exposure from a contaminated air conditioning system. This is a common issue in Dubai's climate, where high humidity and constant AC use create condensation inside the units, providing an ideal environment for mold growth.

For a proper resolution, you need two distinct professionals. First, call a certified mold inspector to conduct testing. They should take air and surface samples to be analyzed by an accredited microbiology lab to identify the specific type of mold and its concentration. This lab report is crucial; it confirms the hazard level and guides the remediation plan. Do not hire a company that does both testing and cleanup, as this is a conflict of interest.

Once you have the inspection report, contact a licensed mold remediation specialist to perform the cleanup. They should follow a strict containment and removal protocol, not just spray and wipe. The Dubai Municipality has guidelines for such work, and reputable providers will be familiar with them. After remediation, the inspector should return to verify the air quality is safe. For a villa in Jumeirah Village Triangle, ensuring the entire duct system is addressed is key, as contamination often spreads beyond the immediate visible patch.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 10, 2026 1:11 am