Is mold causing my headaches and stuffy nose?« Back to Previous Page

Black mold exposure can absolutely cause the symptoms you're describing. Headaches, chronic sinus congestion, and nasal irritation are common reactions to mold spores in an enclosed space, especially a bedroom where you spend hours breathing the air. The leak from your AC unit in Al Barsha created the perfect environment—consistent moisture from condensation combined with our high humidity is a primary cause of indoor mold growth in Dubai.

You should notify your landlord or building management in writing immediately, as this is a habitability issue. Under typical Dubai rental regulations, the landlord is responsible for fixing the source of the leak (the AC unit) and the resulting structural damage to the wall. Tenants are usually responsible for contents and minor maintenance, but a leaking AC causing major mold is a building system failure.

Do not attempt to remove this yourself. Disturbing a large patch can release a high concentration of spores. A professional inspection can confirm the mold type and the full extent of the damage behind the wall. The remediation process involves stopping the leak, properly drying the structure with industrial equipment, and then removing the contaminated materials. Simply painting over it will not solve the problem. Until it's addressed, you may want to consider temporarily relocating, especially if symptoms persist.