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

The AC in my bedroom has been leaking a little for about a month, and now I’ve spotted a patch of black mold on the wall behind the curtain. My 4-year-old has had a persistent runny nose and a cough that just won’t go away for the last two weeks, and I’m starting to panic. How urgently do I need to get this professionally cleaned, or is this something I can handle myself with bleach this weekend?
Posted by Susan Thomas
Asked on March 17, 2026 1:14 am
Based on your description, the situation you are facing is a serious health and safety concern that requires immediate professional attention. The black mold growth, likely Stachybotrys chartarum or a similar toxigenic species, is a direct result of the AC condensation leak and the high ambient humidity prevalent in Dubai. This creates an ideal microenvironment for proliferation.

Your child's persistent respiratory symptoms—runny nose and a non-resolving cough—are classic indicators of mold exposure, particularly in young children whose immune systems are still developing. Mycotoxins and mold spores released into the air can cause chronic allergic rhinitis, asthma exacerbations, and other inflammatory respiratory conditions. This is not something to wait on.

Do not attempt remediation with bleach. Bleach is ineffective on porous surfaces like drywall and concrete, as it only bleaches the surface mold without addressing the root colony. Furthermore, it can aggravate respiratory distress by releasing harmful chlorine fumes into your indoor air.

Under UAE regulations, specifically the Dubai Municipality's public health and safety codes, addressing indoor air quality hazards like mold is mandatory for property owners. A professional inspection is critical to assess the full extent of the contamination, including within the AC unit and ductwork, which you cannot see.

I strongly recommend you contact a certified specialist immediately. Our team at Saniservice conducts comprehensive inspections using moisture meters, thermal imaging, and air quality sampling to identify the source and species. We then execute controlled remediation following IICRC standards to ensure the mold is safely removed and the underlying moisture issue is resolved to prevent recurrence.

For the health of your family, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an urgent assessment. This is not a DIY weekend project.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 19, 2026 7:27 pm