Is earthy odor from dust storm harmful?« Back to Previous Page

After the heavy dust storm we had last month, I noticed a strange odor lingering in the living room. It's not exactly moldy or musty, but more like an earthy scent that gets stronger when we turn on the air conditioner. My kids have been complaining of coughing fits too, and I'm starting to wonder if it’s related to all this dust settling inside. Could this be a sign of poor indoor air quality, and what can we do about it?
Posted by Ashley Taylor
Asked on January 25, 2026 1:16 am
0
The earthy odor you're experiencing could indeed be linked to the dust storm last month. In dubai and uae, we've seen such odors arise from mineral particles that get mixed into indoor air during these storms. The minerals can have a distinctive smell - not exactly moldy but more of an earthy scent which intensifies when conditions change like switching on your AC.

However, it's important to note that this odor alone does not necessarily indicate immediate health risks. But given the complaints from your children regarding coughing fits, it would be wise to consider conducting a professional indoor air quality assessment. This is especially crucial in uae where there are specific regulations concerning indoor environments and their standards for pollutants.

For instance, according to the emirates standards and inspection authority (ESIA), indoor air must meet certain criteria to ensure occupant health and comfort. If your air quality test reveals that particulate matter from the dust storm has settled inside your home or if other contaminants are present, it could affect respiratory health and potentially exacerbate conditions like asthma.

To address this issue, i'd recommend scheduling a professional inspection with saniservice. their expertise can help identify any lingering pollutants and suggest remediation strategies tailored for the local climate and environmental conditions in dubai. they offer services such as air filtration system installations which can be beneficial post-dust storm events to maintain clean indoor air.

in the meantime, you might want to use your home's air conditioning units with proper filters installed or consider a portable air purifier to help clear out any lingering dust and odors. ensuring good ventilation by opening windows when safe (considering outdoor pollution levels) can also aid in bringing fresh air into your space.

don't hesitate to reach out to saniservice if you have further questions or need immediate assistance; their contact info is 800-66537 or email hello@saniservice.com. remember, maintaining good indoor air quality is key to a healthy living environment in dubai and the uae.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on January 28, 2026 7:36 am