Could AC leak cause mold making us sick?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our Jumeirah apartment has been leaking a bit onto the carpet in the living room, and now there's a dark patch that feels damp. My husband and I have both had this persistent cough and stuffy noses for the last couple of weeks, and we're starting to worry it's connected. I've tried wiping the area, but the smell is still musty. Could this dampness be causing mold and making us sick, and what's the proper way to get it cleaned and disinfected?
Posted by Rohan Gupta
Asked on April 7, 2026 6:00 pm
0
Yes, the AC leak is very likely causing mould growth that could be contributing to your symptoms. Dubai's high humidity, combined with water from the leak, creates an ideal environment for mould to thrive inside the damp carpet and pad. The persistent cough and stuffy noses you describe are common reactions to mould exposure.

Simply wiping the surface is insufficient. The water has likely seeped deep into the carpet underlay and possibly the concrete screed below, which is where the mould colony is growing and releasing spores into your air. The musty smell confirms active microbial growth.

For proper remediation, the carpet and underlying pad must be lifted to assess the extent of the damage. The affected area needs to be thoroughly dried using industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers, not just fans. All contaminated materials, like the soaked underpad, must be discarded. The subfloor and the back of the carpet then require professional cleaning and application of an EPA-approved antimicrobial treatment to address the root cause. A company with its own microbiology lab can test to identify the specific mould type and verify the cleanup's effectiveness through post-remediation testing.

Given your ongoing health symptoms, addressing this properly is important. In many cases, a standard cleaning company may not have the equipment or protocols for this level of remediation. You should request a detailed assessment from a specialist in indoor health to get a clear action plan.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 9, 2026 6:32 am