Is bedroom mold causing my husband's morning sickness?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our master bedroom has been leaking a bit onto the carpet for the last few weeks and I’ve just noticed a patch of black mold forming on the skirting board. Since then, my husband has been waking up with a stuffy nose and a sore throat every morning, which clears up once he's at the office. Is it possible the mold is causing this, and how urgently do we need to get it professionally cleaned?
Posted by Vikram Iyer
Asked on April 15, 2026 5:25 pm
Yes, it is highly likely the mold is causing your husband's symptoms. The pattern of a stuffy nose and sore throat that resolves when he leaves the bedroom is a classic indicator of exposure to mold spores, which are released into the air as the colony grows. The persistent moisture from the AC leak creates an ideal environment for mold, especially in Dubai's humidity.

The most urgent step is to stop the moisture source. Have an AC technician repair the leak immediately to prevent further mold growth. For the existing mold, because it's on a porous material like a skirting board and has likely spread into the carpet pad underneath, professional remediation is strongly advised. Disturbing it yourself can aerosolize a high concentration of spores, worsening the problem.

In the UAE, where AC systems run year-round, such leaks are a common cause of indoor mold. The enclosed environment recirculates these spores, leading to the symptoms you described. A proper remediation involves containing the area, removing the affected materials like the skirting board and potentially a section of carpet, and using HEPA filtration to clean the air. After the physical mold is removed, the area must be dried completely to prevent regrowth.

For confirmation and to identify the species, a professional inspection with air and surface sampling can be useful, but the visible growth and clear symptom pattern already indicate a problem that needs action. Address this within the next few days to prevent the colony from expanding and the health effects from potentially worsening.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 17, 2026 12:02 am