AC leak causing cough and black mold spots?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our Jumeirah apartment has been leaking a bit into the carpet in the master bedroom, and now I’m seeing a few small black spots on the baseboard. My husband and I have both had a stubborn cough and headaches for the last couple of weeks that just won’t go away. Is this likely a mold issue, and who should I call first to get it properly tested and cleaned?
Posted by Jennifer Hill
Asked on April 5, 2026 1:15 pm
Leaking ACs in Dubai are a primary cause of indoor mold due to the constant humidity and condensation. The black spots on your baseboard and the persistent respiratory symptoms are strongly correlated and likely a mold issue. The damp carpet pad underneath is probably a significant reservoir.

You should first call a licensed HVAC technician to permanently fix the AC leak. Without stopping the moisture source, any cleaning is temporary. For the mold itself, a certified mold inspector should assess the extent, especially within the wall cavity and under the carpet. They use moisture meters and thermal cameras to find hidden dampness.

Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this can aerosolize spores and worsen your symptoms. A professional remediation company with proper containment, HEPA filtration, and desiccant drying is needed for a situation like this, given the health effects you're experiencing. They should provide a post-remediation verification test from an independent lab to confirm the spore count has returned to safe levels. This documented result is your proof of a job done correctly.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 5, 2026 2:34 pm