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AII-1001-39363
Well documentedThree or more independent publishers report the core facts.Supporting sources are pending verification.

Saudi influencer hospitalized after following ChatGPT mold removal advice

Saudi influencer Inas Al-Hanthi followed ChatGPT's advice to use vinegar and a hair dryer to remove black mold from her home, which released toxic particles and hospitalized her and her young daughter.

8 October 2025 Β· OpenAI Β· Safety and wellbeing
8 October 2025
AII-1001-39363
Quick facts
Category
Safety and wellbeing
Country
Saudi Arabia
Date
8 October 2025
Drafted by
Raidu Incident Detection

What happened

Saudi influencer Inas Al-Hanthi sought advice from ChatGPT on removing black mold from her home caused by excess humidity. ChatGPT suggested using vinegar and a hair dryer to remove the mold.

Reported impact

Al-Hanthi followed the advice, but heating the area released toxic particles into the air, causing her young daughter to become ill first, followed by Al-Hanthi herself. Both were hospitalized as a result.

Index analysis

Al-Hanthi warned followers on social media that her experience was a harsh lesson about the dangers of relying entirely on artificial intelligence for health or environmental matters. She emphasized the need to consult specialists and use protective equipment such as gloves and masks when dealing with such situations.

Classification

Category
Safety and wellbeing
Industry
Consumer services
Country
Saudi Arabia
Harm status
Actual harm
Intent
Unintentional
Timing
Post-deployment
Harm types
Human or fundamental rights, Physical injury
Harmed
Children, Consumers
Failure modes
Overreliance, Unsafe recommendation
AI systems
ChatGPT

Sources and evidence

Sources not yet published

This record was researched and written by the Index from original reporting. Its sources are still being verified by an editor, and they are listed here once that check is complete. Until then the record carries no reviewer.

How sources are verifiedSuggest a source for this incident