Could mold behind sofa cause our health issues?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past two weeks and their allergies are going crazy. I finally pulled our sofa away from the wall in our Deira apartment and found a huge patch of black mold spreading behind it, probably from the AC unit's condensation. We've been breathing this in for who knows how long. Could this mold be the reason for our constant sore throats and headaches?
Posted by Jennifer Wilson
Asked on May 6, 2026 6:45 am
Yes, the mold behind your sofa is very likely the cause of your family's persistent sore throats, headaches, and allergy flare-ups. In Dubai's humid climate, this is a common scenario where condensation from AC units creates persistent dampness, especially against exterior walls or in poorly ventilated spaces like behind furniture.

The constant exposure to mold spores in the air you're breathing directly irritates the respiratory tract, leading to those exact symptoms. This is particularly impactful for children and anyone with existing allergies or asthma. The type of mold matters for severity, but any significant visible growth like you've described needs to be addressed professionally.

For a case of this size and with active health symptoms, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. They can identify the moisture source—often a clogged AC drain line or uninsulated ductwork causing condensation—and assess the full extent of the growth, which may have spread into the wall cavity. Remediation should follow Dubai Civil Defence standards for containment and removal to prevent cross-contamination. In the meantime, improve ventilation in the room and avoid disturbing the mold, as this will release more spores.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 6, 2026 6:11 pm