Is apartment mold causing our cough and itchy eyes?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our Deira apartment has been leaking a bit into the wall behind it for a couple of months, and now there's a huge black patch of mold spreading there. My wife and I have both had a persistent dry cough and itchy eyes for the last few weeks that just won't go away, even with allergy meds. Is this likely from the mold, and should we get a professional test done or just get the landlord to fix the leak and clean it immediately?
Posted by Hyun Tran
Asked on March 25, 2026 2:00 pm
Based on your detailed description, it is highly probable that the black mold growth behind your leaking AC unit in Deira is the direct cause of your and your wife's persistent dry cough and itchy eyes. These are classic symptoms of mold exposure, which occur when individuals inhale airborne mycotoxins and mold spores. The fact that over-the-counter allergy medication is ineffective is a strong indicator that you are dealing with a significant microbial contamination, not just common environmental allergens.

The continuous leak has created a perpetually damp environment within the wall cavity, an ideal breeding ground for toxic black mold (often Stachybotrys chartarum or Aspergillus niger), which thrives in the high humidity and condensation common to Dubai's climate due to year-round AC operation. Simply fixing the leak and cleaning the visible surface is dangerously insufficient. Disturbing the mold without proper containment will aerosolize a massive amount of spores throughout your apartment, exacerbating your health issues and contaminating other areas.

According to UAE health and safety guidelines, this situation requires immediate professional assessment. A certified mold inspection, including air and surface sampling, is critical to identify the exact species and the full extent of the hidden contamination within the wall. This data is also essential for holding your landlord accountable for proper remediation.

Do not attempt to clean this yourself. For a case of this severity, I strongly recommend you contact a professional environmental service like Saniservice. Their certified experts can conduct a comprehensive inspection, provide a detailed report for your landlord, and execute the necessary containment, removal, and hygienization protocols to ensure your apartment is safe. You can reach them at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or hello@saniservice.com to schedule an urgent assessment. Your health should not be compromised.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 26, 2026 9:00 pm