Could this mold be causing our family's persistent symptoms?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing nonstop and complaining of headaches for the past month, and I'm getting worried. I just pulled our large sofa away from the wall in the living room of our Marina apartment and found a huge patch of black, fuzzy mold spreading from the corner where the AC unit is. It must have been growing behind there for ages, hidden from view. Could this be the reason for our persistent cold-like symptoms and what’s the safest way to deal with it immediately?
Posted by James Robinson
Asked on April 17, 2026 3:25 pm
Hidden black mold growth behind furniture, especially near AC units, is a common source of persistent respiratory issues in Dubai. The symptoms you describe—nonstop coughing and headaches—are a classic reaction to prolonged mold spore exposure, particularly in children who are more sensitive.

In the humid Marina environment, AC units constantly condense moisture. If a drain line is slightly blocked or there’s a poor seal, that water leaks into the wall, creating the perfect damp environment for mold to thrive unseen. The fuzzy black growth indicates an active colony releasing spores directly into your living area.

For immediate safety, keep the children away from that room and avoid disturbing the mold yourself, as this will release a large number of spores. Do not attempt to bleach or spray it; this can exacerbate the problem. The safest immediate step is to have a professional inspection. They will identify the moisture source (likely the AC condensate leak) and assess the extent of the wall contamination.

In Dubai, proper remediation involves containing the area, safely removing the moldy materials, HEPA vacuuming, and most critically, fixing the underlying water issue. A reputable company will provide before-and-after lab air sample results to verify the spore count has been returned to safe levels. Addressing the root cause is the only way to prevent it from returning.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 19, 2026 5:08 pm