Is mold from AC leak dangerous for health in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page
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The AC in my master bedroom closet has been leaking for a couple of months, and now there's black and green fuzzy mold spreading on the back wall and our shoes. My wife has had a constant stuffy nose and a nagging cough that just won't go away since it started. We’re in an older building in Deira and the landlord is being slow to respond. Is this type of mold in a closet dangerous, and what’s the fastest way to get it properly cleaned and fixed here in Dubai?
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Yes, the type of mold you're describing from an AC leak is absolutely dangerous for health, and the symptoms your wife is experiencing are a direct and serious red flag. The black, fuzzy growth is highly likely to be Stachybotrys chartarum (often called "toxic black mold"), and the green could be Aspergillus or Penicillium. These species produce mycotoxins and allergens that, when inhaled, cause chronic respiratory issues like the persistent cough and sinus congestion you've noted, and can lead to more severe health problems over time, especially for immunocompromised individuals.
The UAE's hot and humid climate acts as an incubator, accelerating mold growth inside properties. In older Deira buildings, leaks are common due to aging AC drain lines and insulation. Simply wiping it away is ineffective and hazardous, as it disperses millions of spores into the air you breathe. Under UAE rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are obligated to provide a habitable property. A significant mold infestation due to a maintenance issue like an AC leak falls squarely under their responsibility. Their slow response is unacceptable given the health implications. Do not attempt DIY cleaning. The fastest and only correct way to resolve this is a professional remediation process: 1) A certified inspection to identify all mold types and the moisture source, 2) Containment of the area to prevent cross-contamination, 3) Professional removal of contaminated materials (like those shoes and possibly drywall), and 4) Hygienization of the space and fixing the root cause—the AC leak. For your health and to compel your landlord to act, you need a formal inspection report from a certified company. I strongly recommend you call professionals immediately to assess the situation and provide the documentation needed for your landlord. Call 800-MOLDS or 800-66537 or email hello@saniservice.com to get an expert out there ASAP. |
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