Mold from AC leak making my son sick in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

The black spots are likely Stachybotrys or another damp-loving mold, made worse by our humid climate and AC condensation. Your son's persistent cough and runny nose are common reactions to mold exposure, especially in children. A pediatrician visit is advisable to address his current symptoms and rule out other causes.

For professional testing, engage a company with a certified mold inspector who will take air and surface samples for analysis at a Dubai Central Lab or an accredited microbiology lab. This identifies the species and concentration, which dictates the remediation protocol. The Dubai Municipality has clear guidelines for mold remediation in buildings to ensure it's done correctly.

The fastest approach is a combined inspection and remediation plan from a single provider to address both the leak source and the contamination. Ensure they provide a detailed scope of work that includes fixing the AC drain line leak, removing the affected carpet and underpad, treating the subfloor, and post-remediation verification testing with lab reports. Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as disturbing it can aerosolize spores throughout the apartment. Keep the area isolated and the AC off in that room until a professional assessment is complete.