AC chemical smell causing headaches in kids' room?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle has been blowing this weird chemical smell for the past week, especially in the kids' bedrooms. My youngest has been complaining of headaches and I’m starting to get really worried it’s something serious. It’s strongest in the evening when the unit has been running all day. Has anyone else experienced this and know what could be causing it or which authority I should call to get it checked?
Posted by Michiko Hu
Asked on May 6, 2026 8:00 pm
0
A chemical smell from an AC, especially one linked to headaches, warrants immediate attention. In Dubai's climate, where AC runs constantly, several UAE-specific issues could be the cause.

The most common culprit is a refrigerant leak. The sweet, chemical odour of leaking gas is a serious health risk and requires urgent professional repair. Another possibility is the off-gassing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from new furniture, paints, or cleaning products stored near the intake, which the AC then circulates. The smell being strongest after the unit has run all day is a key detail that points to a building-up contaminant.

For any suspected refrigerant leak, you should contact a certified HVAC technician immediately for inspection and repair. Do not continue to run the unit. Given the symptoms in children, ensuring good ventilation by opening windows when outdoor air quality permits is also advised.

If the HVAC inspection finds no leak, the next step is identifying the VOC source. An indoor air quality test that includes VOC screening can pinpoint the exact chemical compounds present and their concentration levels, which is critical for resolving the issue. The Dubai Municipality's Public Health and Safety Department can also be contacted to investigate potential public health hazards within a building.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 7, 2026 5:05 pm