Is black mold causing our coughs and how to remove it?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past two weeks, and my own allergies are going crazy. I finally pulled our sofa away from the wall in our Deira apartment and found a huge patch of black mold spreading from the corner where the AC unit drips. We’ve lived here for 2 years and just noticed this. Could this mold be the cause of our breathing problems and what’s the safest way to get rid of it without making us sicker?
Posted by Pranav Menon
Asked on April 4, 2026 4:25 pm
Yes, that black mould is highly likely the cause of your family's persistent coughs and allergy flare-ups. In Dubai's high humidity, the constant condensation from AC drip lines creates a perfect breeding ground for mould. The spores become airborne and are inhaled, directly irritating the respiratory system.

For a patch spreading from a persistent moisture source, professional remediation is strongly advised. Disturbing it yourself can aerosolize a massive number of spores, making the symptoms much worse. Look for a company that follows IICRC standards for containment, such as sealing off the area with plastic sheeting and using HEPA filtration machines to capture spores during removal.

The root cause must be fixed. The AC drip line may be clogged or improperly drained, continuously feeding the mould. A qualified AC technician should inspect and correct the drainage issue to prevent immediate regrowth.

Once the mould is professionally removed and the moisture source fixed, request a post-remediation verification test. This is a separate air quality test to confirm spore counts have returned to safe levels before you move the furniture back. This is a common and necessary step for health assurance.

In the meantime, improve ventilation in the room as much as possible and consider using a dehumidifier to help lower ambient moisture levels.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 5, 2026 8:22 am