Is AC leak mold dangerous for my coughing husband?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment seems to be constantly leaking water into the carpet in our master bedroom closet. We've been ignoring it for a couple of weeks but now I've found a patch of black and green mold spreading on the back wall. My husband has developed a bad cough that won't go away, and I'm starting to get worried. How urgent is it that we get this professionally treated, and should we be staying somewhere else until it's fixed?
Posted by Pooja Banerjee
Asked on March 30, 2026 12:05 pm
Yes, this is a situation that requires immediate professional attention. The black and green mould growth from an AC leak is a significant health risk, especially for your husband. His persistent cough is a classic symptom of exposure to mould spores and mycotoxins in a confined space like a closet.

In Dubai's climate, constant humidity and condensation from a leaking AC unit create an ideal breeding ground for mould. The spores become airborne and are inhaled, leading to respiratory irritation, allergic reactions, and can exacerbate conditions like asthma. Ignoring it for weeks has allowed the colony to establish itself, meaning surface cleaning is insufficient; the wall cavity and carpet likely harbour deep contamination.

You should arrange for a professional mould inspection and testing. A proper assessment, often involving air and surface sampling sent to a microbiology lab, identifies the species and the extent of the problem, which dictates the correct remediation protocol. For a case of this size and with active health symptoms, it is strongly advised to stay elsewhere until the remediation is complete and post-clearance testing confirms the air quality is safe. The process involves isolating the area, removing contaminated porous materials like the carpet and damaged drywall, and using industrial-grade equipment to clean the air and surfaces. Simply fixing the leak isn't enough; the existing mould must be professionally addressed to resolve the health risk.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 2, 2026 1:08 am