AC leak caused mold and sickness. Professional removal help?« Back to Previous Page
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The AC in our master bedroom has been leaking a little bit for a couple of months, and now we’ve discovered black spots spreading on the back of the wardrobe. My husband has had a persistent cough and itchy eyes for weeks, and I’m starting to worry it’s connected. Has anyone else dealt with this, and how quickly did your symptoms improve after getting the mold professionally removed?
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Yes, that combination of a persistent AC leak, visible black mold, and respiratory symptoms is a classic and unfortunately common scenario in Dubai. The high humidity and constant AC use create perfect conditions for mold growth when a leak provides the moisture. The symptoms you describe—cough and itchy eyes—are frequently the first signs of mold exposure for many people.
For a situation like this, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. The visible spots on the wardrobe are likely just the surface manifestation; the main colony is often hidden within the AC unit itself, the ductwork, or the wall cavity behind the wardrobe. A proper inspection uses tools like moisture meters and borescopes to assess the full extent. Professional remediation is what makes the difference. It involves containing the area to prevent spores from spreading, safely removing the contaminated materials (like the back panel of the wardrobe), and using HEPA filtration to clean the air. Crucially, the AC leak must be repaired by an HVAC technician first, or the mold will simply return. Simply wiping the visible spots with bleach is ineffective and can aerosolize the spores, making the problem worse. Many people report a noticeable improvement in respiratory symptoms within a few days to a couple of weeks after thorough, professional removal, once the source of the spores is gone. However, individual recovery times can vary based on sensitivity and the duration of exposure. The key is addressing the root cause completely. |
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