AC leak causing mold and baby's cough: DIY or professional?« Back to Previous Page
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The AC in our Jumeirah apartment has been leaking a bit into the wall behind it for a couple of months, and now my youngest has developed a persistent cough that our doctor thinks could be mold-related asthma. I can see some black spots around the unit but can't tell how bad it really is behind there. Is this something I should just clean with bleach myself, or do I absolutely need to call in a professional mold remediation company here in Dubai, and what kind of cost am I looking at for a small job like this?
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Good morning. This is a very serious situation, especially given the health of your child, and you are right to be concerned. As a certified mold inspector here in Dubai, I strongly advise against a DIY approach, particularly with bleach.
The black spots you see are just the visible surface growth; the real colony is almost certainly thriving inside the wall cavity behind the AC unit, fueled by the constant moisture from the leak. This is a classic scenario we see in UAE apartments due to our high humidity and AC condensate drain issues. Bleach is ineffective on porous materials like drywall and concrete, it only bleaches the surface color and can actually aggravate asthma by releasing harmful fumes. For a confirmed mold-asthma link, professional remediation is not just recommended, it's essential. The process involves more than just cleaning; it requires isolating the area with containment barriers, using HEPA filtration to capture airborne spores, and safely removing and disposing of contaminated materials like the wet drywall. We then treat the area with professional-grade antimicrobials and verify the cleanup's success through post-remediation testing. Under Dubai Municipality guidelines, improper handling that cross-contaminates other areas of the dwelling can create a much larger problem. For a localized job like an AC leak point, costs can vary but typically start from AED 1,500 to AED 4,000, depending on the extent of the damage behind the wall. Your first step should be a professional inspection to assess the hidden damage and get an air quality test. This will give you a clear picture of what you're dealing with. Please, do not risk your family's health with a temporary fix. Call our team at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for a thorough assessment. We can provide a detailed quote and explain the entire process. |
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