Mold from AC leak; need professional help immediately?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, you should call a professional immediately. A leak that has persisted for weeks, combined with visible black and greenish mold growth, indicates a significant moisture issue that has likely spread beyond what you can see. In Dubai's climate, with high ambient humidity and year-round AC use, mold can proliferate rapidly behind baseboards, under carpet padding, and even within wall cavities.

The primary concern is your ongoing exposure. You've been sleeping in that room, which means prolonged inhalation of mold spores, which can cause respiratory irritation, worsen allergies, and trigger asthma symptoms. A professional inspection is crucial to determine the full extent of the contamination. They will use moisture meters and borescopes to see inside walls and under floors, as the structure itself may be compromised.

While waiting for the professional, you can take initial steps. Stop the leak at its source by turning off the AC unit for that room. Increase ventilation by opening windows if the outside humidity is low. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this can aerosolize spores and only removes surface discoloration, not the root colony. The carpet and padding will almost certainly need to be removed and disposed of professionally.

The remediation process involves containing the area, using HEPA filtration to capture airborne spores, removing contaminated porous materials like drywall and insulation, and then treating the area with antimicrobial solutions. A final clearance test, ideally from an independent lab, is the only way to verify the space is safe. For a situation of this duration, this is not a DIY project.