Could hidden mold be making my family sick?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past month, and I've been getting these awful headaches that start as soon as I walk into my bedroom. I finally pulled the bed away from the wall and found a huge patch of black mold hidden behind it, probably from a slow leak in the AC unit. Could this mold in our Deira apartment be the reason we're all feeling so sick?
Posted by Arjun Verma
Asked on April 24, 2026 1:25 pm
Yes, the mold behind your bed is very likely the cause of your family's persistent coughs and headaches. In Dubai's climate, hidden mold from AC condensation leaks is a common trigger for these exact symptoms.

The constant high humidity and year-round AC use create perfect conditions for mold growth, especially in hidden areas like behind furniture or inside wall cavities where a small leak goes unnoticed. The black mold you found releases spores and microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) into the air, which are known irritants. For many people, this directly causes respiratory issues like coughing, congestion, and headaches that feel better when they leave the affected space.

Given the symptoms and the visible patch you've found, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. In Deira, with older building stock, leaks are common. An inspector can use moisture meters and borescopes to assess the full extent of the damage behind the wall, as what you see is often just the tip of the iceberg. Remediation is more than just wiping it away; it involves fixing the moisture source, containing the area to prevent spore spread, and properly removing contaminated materials. For health verification, pre- and post-remediation air quality testing by an independent lab is the only way to confirm the environment is safe again for your family.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 26, 2026 9:36 pm