Is hidden mold causing our constant cold symptoms?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, hidden mold is very likely causing your family's persistent cold-like symptoms. The black mold you discovered behind your sofa is a classic source of indoor air quality issues. In Dubai's climate, hidden AC leaks are a frequent cause because condensation and high humidity create the perfect damp environment for mold to thrive out of sight.

The constant coughing and nasal congestion are common reactions to inhaling mold spores, which become airborne and circulate through your apartment. Children are often more susceptible to these irritants. The safest course of action is to assume the patch is larger than what is visible and that spores are already present in your air.

Do not attempt to clean a large patch yourself, as scrubbing or disturbing it will release a massive cloud of spores, worsening your air quality and potentially causing a more severe reaction. For a situation of this size and due to the health symptoms, a professional inspection is strongly advised. They can assess the full extent of the damage, identify the moisture source (like the suspected AC leak), and contain the area during remediation.

A proper remediation process will involve sealing off the area, using HEPA-filtered air scrubbers to capture airborne spores, and safely removing the contaminated materials. Once the mold is removed, the leak must be repaired by an AC technician to prevent it from returning. For verifiable results, the process should end with post-remediation testing to confirm spore counts have returned to normal levels.