Is the mold from my AC making my child sick?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our villa in Jumeirah seems to be leaking into the wall of my kids' bedroom, and we've started to see a large black patch of mold spreading behind the dresser. My youngest has had a persistent cough for the last couple of weeks that just won't go away, and I'm really worried it's connected. What's the first step we should take to get this professionally tested and remediated safely for the children?
Posted by Ashley Hill
Asked on March 22, 2026 8:17 pm
Based on the symptoms you're describing, there is a very strong possibility that the mold growth from the AC leak is contributing to your child's persistent cough. The dark patch behind the dresser is a major red flag, indicating a significant moisture issue. In the UAE's humid climate, AC condensation leaks are a primary cause of indoor mold, and the types of mold that thrive in these environments, like Cladosporium or Stachybotrys (often black mold), are known respiratory irritants, especially for children whose immune systems are still developing.

The first and most critical step is to STOP using that AC unit immediately to prevent further moisture intrusion and mold sporulation. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as disturbing the colony will aerosolize the spores, potentially making the air quality worse and exacerbating your child's symptoms.

This situation absolutely requires professional intervention. You need a two-part approach: inspection/testing followed by remediation. A certified mold inspector will conduct air and surface sampling to identify the specific type and concentration of mold spores, which is crucial for determining the correct remediation protocol. The remediation process itself involves isolating the contaminated area with negative air pressure, physically removing the affected materials (like sections of drywall), and a thorough hygienization of the space using specialized antimicrobial agents.

For a situation involving child health in a villa in Jumeirah, you must hire a company compliant with Dubai Municipality and EPA guidelines to ensure it's done safely and effectively. Please call our team for an immediate assessment at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Your family's health is not something to risk with DIY solutions.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 23, 2026 11:21 pm