Black mold in AC making us sick: Who to call?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our villa in Jumeirah seems to be making my throat itchy every time it kicks on, and my toddler has had a persistent cough for the last month. I just pulled the air filter out and the area around the vent is covered in black dust and what looks like fuzzy spots. I’m really worried this is making us sick. What's the best way to get a proper mold inspection done here, and should I be calling a specialized company or will the building maintenance handle it?
Posted by Anita Iyengar
Asked on March 21, 2026 4:00 am
Based on your description of black dust, fuzzy spots, and associated health symptoms like an itchy throat and persistent cough in a toddler, this is a serious indoor air quality issue that requires immediate professional attention. In the UAE's humid climate, air conditioning systems are prime locations for mold growth due to constant condensation. The standing water in drip pans and dark, damp ducts provide an ideal breeding ground for colonies, which are then aerosolized and distributed throughout your villa every time the AC operates.

Building maintenance teams are typically responsible for general upkeep but are not equipped or certified to conduct a comprehensive mold inspection, testing, and remediation plan. They often lack the specialized equipment, such as borescopes to inspect inside ductwork and moisture meters to find hidden dampness, and their approach may simply be to clean the visible mold without addressing the root moisture cause, leading to rapid regrowth.

For a proper inspection in Dubai, you must call a specialized environmental company. A certified mold inspector will conduct a thorough assessment that includes air quality sampling to identify spore types and concentration levels, surface sampling to confirm the species (e.g., the dangerous Stachybotrys chartarum, or "black mold"), and a full HVAC system diagnostic to locate the moisture source. This scientific approach is crucial for developing an effective remediation protocol.

Do not attempt to handle this yourself, as disturbing the mold can cause a massive release of harmful spores. For a certified and expert response, I strongly recommend you contact Saniservice. They are specialists in mold issues specific to the Gulf region.

Call them at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an immediate inspection and protect your family's health.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 22, 2026 4:04 pm