AC leak causing black spots and illness: call a professional?« Back to Previous Page
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The AC in our bedroom closet has been leaking a little for a couple of months, and now I've found black spots on the back of my shoes and the walls. My husband and I have both had this constant stuffy nose and headaches we can't shake. Is this something we can check ourselves, or do we need to call a professional company for a proper mold inspection?
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Based on your symptoms and the visible black spots, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. The persistent leak has created a perfect environment for mold growth within the enclosed closet space, and the health effects you're both experiencing are a significant indicator that it has become an issue.
Self-inspection is limited and potentially hazardous. While you can look for more visible growth, the main colony is likely hidden inside the AC unit, the ductwork, or the wall cavity behind it. Disturbing it to check can release a large number of spores into your bedroom air, worsening your exposure. DIY test kits sold online are notoriously unreliable and cannot assess the extent of the problem or the specific species present, which is crucial for understanding the health risk and planning remediation. In Dubai's climate, AC units constantly combat high humidity, and any leak introduces moisture directly into building materials. This allows mold to establish itself deeply and spread quickly. A certified professional will use tools like moisture meters and borescopes to find the full extent of the water damage and hidden growth. The most critical step is a lab analysis of a sample; this identifies the mold type and its concentration, which directly informs the necessary remediation protocol to properly resolve the issue and your health concerns. |
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