Is the mold from my AC leak causing my illness?« Back to Previous Page

The AC unit in my bedroom in our Jumeirah apartment has been leaking a bit, and now I’m seeing black spots along the bottom of the wall behind the curtain. My husband thinks it’s nothing, but I’ve had a persistent sore throat and a stuffy nose for the last two weeks that just won’t go away. Is this kind of mold dangerous and what’s the best way to get it properly cleaned without making the problem worse?
Posted by Ashley Moore
Asked on April 10, 2026 10:00 am
The black spots and your symptoms are almost certainly connected. AC leaks create persistent dampness, which is the primary condition for mold growth. In Dubai's climate, where we rely on AC year-round, this trapped moisture behind walls or in ducts becomes a perfect breeding ground. The most common types of mold from such leaks, like Cladosporium or Stachybotrys (black mold), are known irritants that can cause the exact symptoms you describe—persistent sore throat, congestion, and allergic reactions.

For a confirmed link, a professional inspection with air and surface sampling is needed. This identifies the mold species and spore concentration, which is crucial for understanding the health risk and planning remediation. In many cases, the visible growth is just a small part of the problem, with more colonization hidden inside the wall cavity.

Proper cleanup is not just wiping the spots. Attempting to clean it yourself can disturb the colony, releasing a large number of spores into your bedroom air and potentially making your symptoms worse. The correct process involves isolating the area, using HEPA filtration to capture airborne spores, safely removing contaminated materials like damaged drywall or insulation, and then treating the area with antimicrobial solutions.

Given the location in a bedroom and your ongoing health issues, professional remediation is strongly advised. Reputable companies in Dubai should provide a detailed scope of work and, importantly, post-remediation verification testing from an independent lab to confirm the environment has been returned to a safe, healthy state. This documentation is your proof that the issue was resolved correctly.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 12, 2026 4:48 pm