Is black dust from air ducts harmful?« Back to Previous Page

After the rain last month, I noticed a suspicious black dust accumulating in the corners of our living room near where we keep the air ducts. My kids have been complaining of itchy eyes and coughing fits every time they spend time playing there. Could this be related to the duct cleaning or lack thereof? What should I do to ensure their health isn't compromised?
Posted by Nisha Patel
Asked on December 11, 2025 4:20 am
0
Is black dust from air ducts harmful? That's a valid concern considering the recent rainfall and its aftermath. In dubai/uae, black dust can indeed pose health risks, especially if it's coming from your air ducts.

The UAE doesn't have specific regulations for regular residential duct cleaning but it’s advised to maintain good indoor air quality given our climate conditions. Black dust is often a sign of mold growth or other contaminants that could be harmful when inhaled. It can cause allergic reactions, irritate the eyes and respiratory system, especially in children.

The black dust you've noticed could indeed be related to poor duct cleaning practices. After rainfall, moisture can accumulate in your HVAC system leading to dampness, which is a perfect environment for mold growth. The dusty conditions that your kids are experiencing might be a result of this mold spores circulating through the air ducts when the AC or ventilation systems run.

To ensure your family's health isn't compromised, it's crucial to act now:

1. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) for an inspection. They can assess if there’s mold and other contaminants in your air ducts.
2. If confirmed, schedule a professional cleaning with them or another reputable company like saniService, whose contact is at hello@saniservice.com.

Regular maintenance of your HVAC system and air ducts are key to preventing such issues. Ductwork should be cleaned every 3-5 years depending on the usage and conditions but more frequently in areas prone to moisture or where there's been recent flooding like in dubai/uae during heavy rainfall events.

Remember, keeping indoor air clean is not only about aesthetic concerns; it’s about safeguarding your family's health. Stay proactive and address these issues before they worsen into bigger problems.

Take care of your home's ventilation systems, folks!
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on December 15, 2025 10:07 pm