Is AC mold causing our health symptoms?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our bedroom has been leaking a little for a while, but after the recent humidity, I've started seeing black spots around the vent and my husband has had a constant stuffy nose and headaches for the past three weeks. I'm starting to feel a bit wheezy myself. Could this mold be the cause of our symptoms and how urgent is it to get it professionally cleaned?
Posted by Pieter Esposito
Asked on April 28, 2026 6:05 pm
Yes, the black spots around your AC vent and your symptoms are very likely connected. In Dubai's climate, AC units that leak create the perfect damp environment for mold growth. The constant stuffy nose, headaches, and wheezing you both are experiencing are classic reactions to mold exposure, which releases spores and microbial fragments into the air you breathe.

This situation should be addressed with some urgency. Prolonged exposure can lead to more persistent respiratory issues, especially in a bedroom where you spend hours sleeping. The recent spike in humidity has undoubtedly accelerated the mold's growth.

You need a professional inspection. A legitimate inspector will use a borescope to examine the inside of the AC unit and ductwork, identifying the full extent of the contamination. They should also take air and surface samples for lab analysis to identify the specific mold species, as this determines the appropriate remediation protocol. Simply wiping the visible spots is not enough; the hidden contamination inside the unit will continue to cause problems.

Until it's addressed, keep the bedroom well-ventilated and consider minimizing your time in that room. The cleaning process itself must be thorough, involving the disassembly and cleaning of the AC unit's internal components, not just a superficial spray. Always request before-and-after lab results to verify the indoor air quality has been restored to a safe level.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 29, 2026 5:06 am