AC leak causing black mold and health issues: DIY or pro?« Back to Previous Page

Stop using the AC and address the leak immediately. The black spots are very likely active mould growth, and your scratchy throat is a common symptom of exposure to mould spores in an enclosed space like a bedroom.

For a leak lasting months with visible spread and health symptoms, a DIY bleach clean is not sufficient and can be hazardous. Bleach only removes surface discolouration on non-porous materials; it does not kill the mould roots inside porous drywall or address the spores released into the air. In Dubai's high humidity, the mould will return quickly without proper remediation of the moisture source and contaminated materials.

You need a professional assessment. The leak has likely saturated the wall and possibly the structure behind it, requiring specialized equipment like moisture meters and thermal cameras to find the full extent. A reputable company can contain the area to prevent cross-contamination, safely remove the affected building materials, and use HEPA filtration to clean the air. They should also identify and fix the root cause of the AC leak to prevent recurrence.

Given your health symptoms, insist that the inspection includes air and surface sampling conducted by a certified microbiologist. This lab analysis is the only way to definitively identify the mould species and confirm the environment is safe for occupancy after remediation.