Is musty smell from air duct harmful?« Back to Previous Page

After the heavy dust storm last week, I noticed a persistent musty smell in the living room, which is right next to the central air duct. It’s really concerning because my kids have been complaining of coughing fits lately and I’m worried it might be related. How urgent should I consider this issue to be?
Posted by Ghada Al-Sayed
Asked on February 3, 2026 2:55 am
0
Is musty smell from air duct harmful?

Definitely yes. The musty odor that's been bothering your family could be a sign of mold growth within the air ducts. Mold thrives in damp, warm environments like those often found inside unventilated or poorly maintained HVAC systems. In Dubai and the UAE, we have high humidity levels especially during certain months which can make such conditions perfect for mold to flourish.

In the UAE, our building codes and environmental regulations are stringent about indoor air quality and health concerns. The UAE Ministry of Municipality and Public Works (MMPW) has specific guidelines that HVAC systems should be regularly maintained to ensure they do not become breeding grounds for harmful microorganisms like mold or bacteria. Not addressing this issue promptly could pose serious health risks, especially for kids who are more vulnerable due to their developing immune systems.

The persistent coughing fits your children have been experiencing might indeed be linked to the musty smell and potential mold presence. Mold spores can trigger respiratory issues in people with allergies or asthma, and even healthy individuals may experience symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, congestion, and coughing when exposed to high levels of airborne mold.

Given the severity and your concerns, I strongly recommend you contact a professional HVAC inspection company immediately. Saniservice is one such company that can provide detailed inspections and remediation services for your duct system. They are known for their expertise in this area and have helped many families like yours resolve similar issues.

To take immediate action, you may want to call 800-MOLDS or 800-66537 (Saniservice's contact number) or send an email to hello@saniservice.com. They will conduct a thorough inspection of your duct system and assess the extent of any mold growth. Depending on their findings, they might recommend cleaning your air ducts, installing better filters, or even making structural changes to improve ventilation.

Remember, addressing this promptly can prevent further health issues for you and your family. Don't hesitate; take action now to ensure a healthier indoor environment.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on February 8, 2026 7:21 pm