Is damp smell from vents linked to my son's cough?« Back to Previous Page
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After the rain last month, I noticed a persistent damp smell coming from the bedroom near the ceiling vents. My landlord mentioned that they take care of HVAC maintenance but didn't specify duct cleaning. We've lived here for two years, and just this week, my son has been coughing quite a bit. Could this be related to the ducts? Who is responsible for having the ducts cleaned in a rental property like mine?
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It's very likely the damp smell from your vents could be linked to your son's cough. The symptoms you're experiencing can often stem from mold growth within the HVAC system and ducts, especially if there was recent rain that might have caused moisture intrusion.
In the UAE, particularly in Dubai, humidity levels can increase during certain times of the year, making it an ideal environment for mold development. Mold spores can circulate through your home's air conditioning system, causing a variety of health issues, including coughing and respiratory problems, especially among children or those with existing conditions. The damp smell you're noticing from the bedroom vents could be due to stagnant water or excessive moisture in the HVAC ducts. Over time, this can lead to mold growth which might not only cause odors but also produce allergens that can exacerbate breathing issues like coughing. Your landlord should be responsible for maintaining and cleaning the HVAC system, including the ductwork, according to local regulations. In Dubai, the Health Authority - Dubai (HAD) has guidelines on proper maintenance of building services which include regular inspection and cleaning of HVAC systems. Given your concerns, it would be prudent to have a professional environmental inspection done. This will help determine if there is indeed mold present in the ducts or elsewhere in the system. The inspection can also provide recommendations for remediation and preventive measures to ensure a healthy indoor environment moving forward. I recommend contacting an experienced company like Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. They offer specialized services including duct cleaning, mold testing, and air quality assessments which could address your concerns effectively. Remember to also speak with your landlord regarding the need for this service; they are responsible for maintaining a safe living environment according to UAE laws and regulations, especially in rental properties. Taking action now can help prevent further health issues for you and your family. |
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