Is mold causing our coughs and headaches in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past two weeks and I've been getting terrible headaches. I finally pulled our sofa away from the wall in our Deira apartment and found a huge patch of black, fuzzy mold spreading from the corner where the AC unit drips. We've been sleeping right next to this. Could this mold be the reason we're all feeling so sick, and what's the fastest way to get it properly cleaned here in Dubai?
Posted by Faisal Jaber
Asked on May 3, 2026 6:15 am
Yes, the mold behind your sofa is very likely causing your family's persistent coughs and headaches. In Dubai's high humidity, AC condensation creates a constant damp environment where mold thrives. The continuous exposure to mold spores, especially while sleeping, is a common trigger for respiratory irritation, allergic reactions, and headaches.

For a patch that large and given the health symptoms, professional remediation is strongly recommended. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this can aerosolize a high concentration of spores and aggravate your symptoms. The fastest way to address it is to contact a certified mold remediation provider. They will contain the area, remove the contaminated materials like drywall or insulation, and use specialized equipment like HEPA air scrubbers to clean the air.

After remediation, the underlying moisture issue must be fixed. A technician should correct the AC drip line or drainage issue to prevent immediate recurrence. For verification that the space is safe, a post-remediation inspection, including air quality testing, can confirm spore levels have returned to normal. This is a common issue in Deira apartments due to older AC systems and high ambient moisture.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 6, 2026 12:01 am