Mold in AC causing illness, who to call?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle has been making this damp, earthy smell for the last month. My throat has been constantly scratchy and I’ve been waking up with headaches. I just pulled the filter out and the back of it is covered in black and greenish fuzzy spots. Could this mold be the reason I’m feeling so unwell, and who should I call to get it properly cleaned?
Posted by Michael Allen
Asked on April 24, 2026 2:05 pm
Yes, the mold in your AC is very likely causing your symptoms. The damp, earthy smell is a classic indicator of microbial growth, and the black and green fuzzy spots on the filter confirm active mold colonies. In Dubai's humid climate, AC units are prime locations for mold as condensation constantly provides moisture. The scratchy throat and morning headaches are common reactions to inhaling mold spores circulated throughout your apartment.

For a situation like this in JVC, you should call a professional mold inspection and remediation company. Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as disturbing it will release a large number of spores into your living space. A proper company will conduct an inspection, often using a borescope to see inside the ductwork, and take surface or air samples for analysis at a microbiology lab to identify the species and concentration. This lab report is crucial, as it determines the necessary remediation protocol.

Ensure the company you hire follows standards like the IICRC S520 for mold remediation. The process should include containment of the affected area, use of HEPA filtration air scrubbers to clean the air, and thorough cleaning of the entire AC system, not just the visible parts. After remediation, they should perform clearance testing to verify the mold levels have been returned to a normal, safe range. For health-related cases, always choose a science-driven provider that offers documented proof of results, not just a basic cleaning service.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 26, 2026 7:04 pm