AC leak causing mold and sickness: urgent specialist needed?« Back to Previous Page

Our bedroom’s AC unit has been leaking a little for the last three weeks, and now I’m seeing small black spots on the wall behind the curtain. My wife has had a constant stuffy nose and a cough that just won’t go away since it started. Is this something we need to call a specialist for immediately, or can it wait until our building’s maintenance does their rounds next week?
Posted by Nancy Martinez
Asked on March 24, 2026 12:57 am
Based on your description, this is a situation that requires immediate professional attention and should not wait for general building maintenance. The combination of a persistent AC leak, visible black microbial growth, and correlating health symptoms in a family member is a significant concern, particularly in Dubai's climate.

The constant humidity and condensation from a leaking AC unit create an ideal environment for mold proliferation. The black spots are highly likely to be mold colonies, which can release spores and microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) into your bedroom's air. Your wife's persistent respiratory symptoms—stuffy nose and a non-resolving cough—are classic indicators of exposure to these contaminants. Prolonged exposure can exacerbate allergies and lead to more serious respiratory issues, especially for immunocompromised individuals.

Building maintenance teams are excellent for fixing the leak itself but are not equipped or trained to handle the resulting biological contamination. Proper remediation requires a certified specialist to conduct a thorough inspection, including air and surface sampling to identify the species and concentration of mold. This is crucial as some species, like Stachybotrys chartarum (often referred to as "black mold"), require specific containment and removal protocols.

We strongly advise against attempting to clean this yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize the spores and spread the contamination throughout your home. The remediation process involves containing the area, using HEPA filtration to clean the air, safely removing contaminated materials, and applying professional-grade antimicrobial treatments.

For your family's health, we recommend you call a specialist immediately. Contact Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or hello@saniservice.com for a comprehensive inspection and remediation plan. They are experts in dealing with such issues in accordance with local UAE guidelines and can ensure your indoor environment is returned to a safe and healthy state.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 26, 2026 8:44 pm