Could mold in our AC be causing persistent coughs?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past month and we can't seem to shake it. I've just pulled our winter clothes out of the wardrobe in our master bedroom and found a bunch of them covered in black spots, and the wall behind it feels damp. The AC unit in that room has been making a weird damp smell for a while now. Could this mold be the reason for our persistent coughs, and who should I call to properly test for it in Dubai?
Posted by Timothy Clark
Asked on May 20, 2026 1:35 am
Yes, mold in your AC is a very likely cause of persistent coughs, especially in children. The damp wall and spotted clothes confirm a significant moisture issue, and the AC unit is actively aerosolizing those mold spores directly into the air you breathe. This constant exposure irritates the respiratory tract, leading to a cough that won't resolve.

For a case this visible and with clear health symptoms, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. In Dubai's climate, where high humidity and year-round AC use create perfect conditions for mold, the problem is often more extensive behind walls or within the AC unit itself. Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as disturbing it can release a massive amount of spores.

You should call a certified mold inspection company that uses a third-party accredited microbiology lab for analysis. This is crucial for verifying the species and concentration levels, as not all black mold is the highly toxic Stachybotrys. A proper inspection will include air quality testing inside the room and a control sample outside to compare levels, along with surface swabs of the affected areas. They should provide a detailed report with the lab findings, which can be essential for any remediation work or for your landlord if you are renting. This lab-verified approach separates credible services from those that simply spray and leave without evidence.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 21, 2026 5:24 am