Is black mold from AC making my toddlers sick?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our apartment in Jumeirah seems to have been leaking into the wall behind it, and now we’ve spotted black mold spreading there. My two toddlers have had this persistent, dry cough for the last three weeks that just won’t go away with regular medicine. I’m starting to panic that the two are connected. Is this type of mold a serious health risk, and what’s the absolute fastest way to get it professionally tested and removed in Dubai?
Posted by Takeshi Pham
Asked on March 28, 2026 10:00 am
Black mold from AC leaks is a known irritant and can absolutely cause the persistent dry cough you're describing, especially in toddlers. The constant humidity and year-round AC use in Dubai create perfect conditions for mold growth when a leak occurs, as the damp wall cavity never fully dries.

The fastest way for professional testing is to engage a company with an in-house microbiology lab, as they can provide species identification and spore count results typically within 48-72 hours, confirming the health risk level. For removal, the process must follow Dubai Municipality guidelines, which involve isolating the contaminated area, removing the affected building materials, and using HEPA-filtered air scrubbers to clean the air. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as improper disturbance can spread spores throughout your apartment.

For immediate steps, move your toddlers to a different room and keep the AC unit off to prevent further air circulation of spores. Schedule a professional inspection immediately; a credible inspector will use a moisture meter to find the full extent of the water damage and a borescope to look inside the wall, not just address the visible spot.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 30, 2026 11:05 am