Is the AC leak causing mold making my kids sick?« Back to Previous Page

The persistent AC leak is very likely the source of the mold on the carpet, and the proximity to your toddler's sleeping area makes it a significant health concern. The combination of water damage and Dubai's high humidity creates an ideal environment for mold growth. The symptoms you describe—a runny nose and persistent cough—are common reactions to mold exposure, especially in children who are more sensitive.

Do not attempt to clean the carpet yourself. Disturbing the mold by scrubbing or using a vacuum without a HEPA filter will aerosolize the spores, potentially making your children's symptoms much worse. The safest immediate step is to have the area professionally inspected. A proper assessment involves more than a visual check; it should identify the mold species to understand the specific health risk, as some types are more problematic than others.

The root cause must be addressed first: a qualified HVAC technician needs to fix the AC leak permanently. Until the moisture source is eliminated, any cleaning or replacement is temporary. For remediation, the affected section of carpet and the underlying padding will almost certainly need to be removed and discarded by a certified mold remediation company. They use containment barriers and industrial HEPA air scrubbers to prevent cross-contamination during the process. Once the area is dry and the leak is fixed, new carpet can be installed.