Is the mold under my carpet causing our cough?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, the black speckles under your carpet are very likely mold, and the persistent dry cough you're both experiencing is a classic symptom of mold exposure in a confined space like a bedroom. The constant AC use in Dubai creates a cycle of condensation and moisture, which, combined with a leak, provides the perfect damp environment for mold to thrive on organic materials like carpet backing and concrete.

The first step is to stop the leak immediately. Have your AC unit inspected and repaired to prevent further moisture accumulation. Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as disturbing the mold can release a large number of spores into the air, potentially worsening your symptoms and contaminating other areas.

For a situation involving visible growth and health symptoms, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. In Dubai's climate, hidden mold within walls or under floor slabs is a common secondary issue. A proper assessment includes moisture mapping and, crucially, air quality testing to identify the spore types and concentrations you're breathing. This lab analysis is key to understanding the health risk and planning an effective remediation strategy, which for embedded growth often involves removing the affected carpet and pad and treating the subfloor.