Is AC mold making my family sick in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past week, and I'm starting to think it's our AC. I noticed a patch of black mold around the vent in our son's bedroom here in our Jumeirah villa. Could this mold in the AC be making us sick, and who should I call to get it properly cleaned and tested?
Posted by Khaled Al-Thani
Asked on April 29, 2026 6:00 pm
0
Yes, the AC mould in your Jumeirah villa is very likely contributing to your family's coughing. Dubai's high humidity and constant AC use create ideal conditions for mould growth inside units and ducts. The black patch around the vent indicates a colony is present, and its spores are being blown directly into the room, causing respiratory irritation, persistent coughs, and worsened allergies.

For a situation involving visible mould and health symptoms, a standard cleaning service is insufficient. You need a professional indoor environmental assessment. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as this can aerosolize a high concentration of spores. The company you call should first conduct a thorough inspection of the entire AC system, including hidden ductwork, and perform microbiological testing to identify the mould species. This lab-based evidence is critical, as it determines the proper remediation protocol and confirms the source of the problem.

Look for a provider with certifications in mould inspection and remediation (like IICRC or NADCA standards) and, most importantly, one that offers before-and-after testing to prove the environment has been returned to a safe state. They should use HEPA-filtered equipment for containment and removal. After remediation, ensure they provide a full report with lab results. For ongoing prevention, maintaining indoor humidity below 60% and scheduling regular, professional AC coil and duct cleaning can help reduce recurrence.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 30, 2026 2:35 pm