Is AC mold causing our family's persistent cough and allergies?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past month and my own allergies have been awful. I finally pulled our sofa away from the wall in our Deira apartment and found a huge patch of black, fuzzy mold spreading from the corner where the AC unit drips. We’ve lived here for two years and just noticed this. Could this mold be the reason we're all so sick, and what's the fastest way to deal with it properly?
Posted by Karen Wilson
Asked on May 10, 2026 6:51 pm
Yes, the mold behind your sofa is very likely contributing to your family's persistent respiratory issues. In Dubai's high-humidity climate, AC condensation creates ideal conditions for mold growth, particularly in poorly ventilated corners. The continuous exposure to mold spores in your enclosed apartment air can cause exactly the symptoms you describe: chronic coughing, congestion, and worsened allergies.

The fastest and most effective approach is a two-step process. First, address the moisture source immediately. Have a certified HVAC technician inspect and correct the AC drip line issue to prevent further water accumulation. Second, for a growth of that size, professional remediation is strongly advised. DIY cleaning often disperses a high concentration of spores throughout your home, potentially making the problem worse. Professionals will contain the area, safely remove the contaminated materials, and use HEPA filtration to clean the air.

Following remediation, a post-clearance test by an independent microbiology lab is the only way to verify the spore count in your air has returned to a safe level. For rental properties in Dubai, the responsibility for fixing the underlying AC fault typically falls on the landlord, while contents and air quality are often the tenant's concern. Given the health impact you're experiencing, a professional assessment is the most reliable path to restoring your indoor health.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 11, 2026 2:25 pm