Found mold in my apartment, what health steps are urgent?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past month, and I’ve been getting awful headaches. I finally pulled our sofa away from the wall in our Deira apartment and found a huge patch of black, fuzzy mold spreading from behind it, probably from a small AC leak we didn't notice. What are the immediate health steps I should take for my family?
Posted by Noura Khan
Asked on March 31, 2026 7:15 am
Relocate your family from the room immediately and restrict access, especially for children. The constant cough and headaches are common reactions to prolonged mold spore exposure. Ventilate the area by opening windows if outdoor humidity is low, but in Deira, running a dehumidifier is often more effective than introducing humid outdoor air.

Contact your building management or landlord immediately. Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (Amended by Law No. 9 of 2019) regulates rental properties and obligates the landlord to address issues affecting habitability, which includes mold from a hidden AC leak. Document the mold with photographs and your communication with them.

For health concerns, consulting a doctor is advisable to address the persistent symptoms. Inform them of the mold exposure. Do not attempt to clean the large patch yourself, as disturbing it will aerosolize a high concentration of spores. An AC leak creates the perfect breeding ground in our climate, and the hidden nature means spores have likely spread through the AC system.

A professional inspection is critical to assess the full extent behind walls and in the HVAC system. Remediation must include fixing the source leak, proper containment of the area, HEPA vacuuming, and antimicrobial treatment. Verifiable before-and-after air quality testing from an independent lab is the only way to confirm the environment is safe for your family’s return.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 2, 2026 3:00 am