Is AC chemical smell making my kids sick?« Back to Previous Page

A chemical smell from AC vents, especially one that coincides with symptoms, should be taken seriously. In Dubai's climate, where AC systems run almost constantly, they can circulate contaminants from several sources directly into your living space.

The most common cause of a chemical smell in older Deira buildings is a refrigerant leak. While modern refrigerants are less toxic, a significant leak in an enclosed space like a bedroom can cause irritation, leading to coughing, headaches, and dizziness—symptoms that often improve when you leave the room. Another possibility is the off-gassing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from new furniture, cleaning products, or even stored items in the ceiling void being drawn into the AC system. The afternoon timing could correlate with the system working hardest against the peak heat, exacerbating the issue.

Given that your children are experiencing persistent coughing, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. Do not attempt to diagnose a refrigerant leak yourself. A qualified HVAC technician can use specialized equipment to detect leaks and assess system integrity. For a comprehensive indoor air quality assessment, a provider with microbiological lab capabilities can test for a wider range of VOCs and other pollutants. The key is to identify the source, as simply masking the smell does not address the potential health risk. In the interim, improving ventilation by opening windows when outdoor air quality permits can help dilute any concentrated chemicals indoors.