Is apartment mold causing my children's illness?« Back to Previous Page

The black patches and AC leak are highly likely to connected to your children's persistent respiratory symptoms. The constant humidity from the leak creates a perfect breeding ground for mold, and children are particularly susceptible to the irritants and allergens they release. The most common symptoms are exactly what you describe: a chronic runny nose, cough, and congestion that doesn't respond to typical cold remedies.

Given Dubai's climate, where we run AC year-round, any small leak can cause significant condensation and mold growth inside walls, which is a serious concern. You should absolutely mention this specific environmental concern to your children's pediatrician. They can assess if the mold exposure is the primary cause or if it's exacerbating an underlying condition like allergies or asthma.

For your home, this requires immediate action. The leak must be repaired first to stop the moisture source. Simply wiping the visible mold is not enough, as the growth within the wall cavity will continue to release spores. A professional inspection with moisture meters is needed to assess the full extent of the damage behind the wall. Remediation involves removing the affected drywall, treating the area, and ensuring it is completely dry before rebuilding. This level of containment prevents spores from spreading throughout your apartment during the process.

Until it's resolved, improve ventilation in the room as much as possible and consider using a dehumidifier to help lower the ambient moisture level that the mold thrives on.