Is our mold causing our cough and headaches« Back to Previous Page
|
The AC in our apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle has been leaking a little for a couple of months, and now we've found black spots of mold on the wall behind the bedroom curtain. My wife and I have both had a persistent dry cough and headaches for weeks that just won't go away, and we're starting to get worried.
Could this mold be the cause of our symptoms, and what's the first thing we should do about it?
|
|
Yes, the black mold growth from your AC leak and your persistent dry coughs and headaches are very likely connected. The constant humidity and condensation from Dubai's climate create ideal conditions for mold, especially when combined with an AC leak that's been ongoing for months. These symptoms are common reactions to mold exposure, particularly in enclosed spaces like bedrooms.
The first step is to stop the moisture source immediately. Have a certified HVAC technician repair the AC leak—this is non-negotiable. Do not attempt to clean the mold yourself with bleach or disinfectants, as improper cleaning can aerosolize spores and worsen your exposure. For a situation of this duration and with health symptoms already present, a professional inspection is strongly advised. In Dubai, remediation companies should follow DM guidelines and can provide a proper assessment of the wall's contamination. They will use moisture meters to find the full extent of the water damage, which is often far greater than what's visible. Request that the inspection includes air and surface sampling to be analyzed by an accredited microbiology lab. This identifies the mold species and spore concentration, which is critical for understanding your health risk and for verifying the success of any cleanup afterward. Proper remediation should include containment of the area and HEPA filtration to prevent cross-contamination. Until it is resolved, try to keep the bedroom well-ventilated and consider using a dehumidifier to lower the indoor humidity level below 60%. |
Please log in to post questions/answers: