Is the mold behind my AC making us sick?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our master bedroom has been leaking a little bit for a couple of months, and now we've both developed a persistent dry cough that just won't go away. I just pulled the wardrobe away from the wall and found a patch of black and greenish mold hidden behind it. We live in an older villa in Mirdif. Is this something I should get professionally tested, or can I handle it myself with bleach?
Posted by Linda Anderson
Asked on April 5, 2026 9:40 am
Based on your description, it is highly probable that the mold growth behind your AC unit is the cause of your persistent dry coughs. The continuous moisture from the AC leak has created an ideal environment for microbial growth. In Dubai's humid climate, where buildings are sealed and rely heavily on air conditioning, such hidden leaks are a primary cause of indoor air quality issues and subsequent health effects like respiratory irritation, allergic reactions, and persistent coughing.

This is absolutely a situation that requires professional attention, not a DIY bleach solution. Bleach is ineffective on porous surfaces like drywall and can actually exacerbate the problem by releasing harmful fumes without addressing the root moisture issue. More critically, what you see on the surface is often just a fraction of the actual colonization happening within the wall cavity.

For a villa in Mirdif, a comprehensive inspection is essential. Our certified mold inspectors use advanced tools like borescopes to see inside walls and thermal imaging cameras to identify hidden moisture sources that are not visible to the naked eye. We then conduct air and surface sampling to identify the specific species of mold, which is crucial for understanding the health risks and determining the correct remediation protocol, all performed in accordance with UAE standards for environmental health and safety.

Given the clear health symptoms and the concealed nature of the growth, I strongly recommend you cease using that AC unit and schedule a professional inspection immediately. Please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Our team can provide a thorough assessment and a definitive plan to make your home safe again.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 7, 2026 8:01 am