AC leak causing mold and sickness in Dubai: urgent help?« Back to Previous Page

The black spots and symptoms point to active mold growth from the AC leak. In Dubai's humidity, standing water from a leaking unit creates ideal conditions for mold within 24-48 hours. Your persistent cough and itchy eyes are common reactions to mold exposure and indicate the issue needs immediate professional attention.

For testing, you need a certified mold inspector who uses a moisture meter to find the full extent of the water damage and takes air/surface samples for a microbiology lab. This identifies the species and concentration, which dictates the remediation protocol. Avoid any company that offers to clean without first providing this diagnostic data.

The fastest path is to contact a provider with in-house lab capabilities to expedite the process; results typically take 2-3 working days. Remediation involves isolating the area, removing the contaminated materials (like part of the wall), HEPA vacuuming, and antimicrobial treatment. DIY cleaning with bleach is ineffective on porous surfaces like drywall and can worsen airborne spore levels.

Your symptoms should subside once the mold is properly removed and the moisture source—the AC leak—is repaired by your landlord or facility management. For severe respiratory concerns, consulting a doctor is advisable. Document everything for your landlord, as they are typically responsible for addressing leaks and resultant damage in rental properties.