Mold in Dubai apartment causing illness: who to call?« Back to Previous Page

Your symptoms and the visible black spots are strong indicators of a mold problem that needs immediate professional attention. In Dubai's humid climate, AC leaks create the perfect damp environment for mold to thrive, and the spores can circulate through your AC system, causing the persistent respiratory irritation you're experiencing.

You should call a certified mold inspection and remediation company, not a general handyman or AC technician. Look for a provider that conducts a full indoor environmental assessment, including air and surface sampling, and has their own or a partnered microbiology lab to identify the specific mold species. This is critical, as the type of mold (e.g., Cladosporium vs. the more concerning Stachybotrys) dictates the remediation protocol. The company should be able to show you certifications like IICRC for the inspectors and remediators.

The Dubai Municipality has clear guidelines for property maintenance and indoor air quality, and a professional company will ensure the remediation process is compliant. The cleanup involves more than just wiping the wall; it requires containing the area, removing contaminated materials like drywall, HEPA vacuuming, and treating the AC system to prevent recurrence.

For your symptoms, while remediation will remove the source, it is also advisable to consult a physician to discuss the persistent cough and itchy eyes, as they can provide appropriate treatment for the irritation.