Can black mold in AC make my son sick?« Back to Previous Page

Black mold in AC systems can cause the symptoms you're describing. The damp, earthy smell and visible growth around the vent are strong indicators of a mold issue. The constant cough and runny nose in your son are common reactions to inhaling mold spores, especially in children or those with sensitivities.

In Dubai's climate, AC units run year-round and are a prime source of condensation, creating the perfect damp environment for mold to thrive. Simply cleaning the visible patch with bleach is a temporary fix, as the main colony is likely inside the ductwork or on the cooling coils, which you cannot see or reach. Bleach also fails on porous surfaces and does not prevent regrowth.

For a situation involving a child's bedroom and ongoing health symptoms, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. They can use borescopes to inspect deep inside the ducts and often recommend air or surface sampling to identify the mold species. This is crucial for understanding the health risk and planning the correct remediation strategy.

Proper remediation involves containing the area, using HEPA vacuums, and applying EPA-approved antimicrobials to the entire system to prevent rapid regrowth. After a professional cleaning, the earthy smell should be completely gone, and your son's symptoms should improve noticeably.