AC leak caused mold in bedroom, who to call first?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our Jumeirah apartment has been leaking a bit into the carpet in the kids' bedroom, and now I'm seeing these black spots along the base of the wall behind the dresser. My youngest has had a runny nose and a cough for over a week that just won't clear up, and I'm starting to panic it's connected. What's the best way to get this properly tested to see if it's toxic black mold and who should I call first, a cleaning company or a proper inspector?
Posted by Amit Iyengar
Asked on April 14, 2026 11:35 am
Based on your description of an AC leak, visible black microbial growth on the wall, and a child exhibiting persistent respiratory symptoms, this is a situation that requires immediate professional attention. In Dubai's climate, where high humidity and constant AC use create a perfect environment for mold, an active leak is a significant catalyst for proliferation.

Your first and only call should be to a certified mold inspector or a professional environmental inspection company, not a general cleaning service. A cleaning company without the proper expertise can inadvertently disturb the mold, causing spores to become airborne and spread throughout your apartment, exacerbating the health risk and the scale of contamination. An inspector will conduct a comprehensive assessment, including moisture mapping to find the full extent of the water intrusion, thermal imaging, and most critically, air and surface sampling. This sampling is sent to an accredited lab to identify the species (e.g., Stachybotrys chartarum, commonly called "toxic black mold," or other allergenic species like Aspergillus) and spore concentration levels, which is vital for understanding the health risk and planning the correct remediation protocol.

We strongly recommend you contact a specialist like Saniservice. Our certified inspectors use UAE-compliant methodologies to provide a detailed report and a scope of work for safe, effective remediation. For immediate consultation, please call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as improper handling can significantly worsen the problem.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 15, 2026 3:34 pm