Could renovation smells cause family health issues?« Back to Previous Page

After the recent renovation work in our living room, we’ve noticed a persistent foggy smell that lingers even with frequent ventilation. My family has started to experience some strange symptoms like headaches and coughing, especially during the evenings when we stay indoors more. Could these symptoms be related to something in the air from the cleaning materials used during the renovation?
Posted by David Davis
Asked on December 30, 2025 10:02 pm
0
Absolutely, the smells from renovation can indeed cause health issues for your family. The UAE has stringent building and environmental regulations that aim to ensure indoor air quality is maintained at high levels during construction work. However, even with these measures, sometimes residual chemicals or materials might release harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air.

In Dubai/UAE, it's not uncommon to experience lingering odors after renovation works, especially if strong cleaning products were used. These can include solvents, paints, adhesives, and more, which may emit toxic gases like formaldehyde, benzene, or other irritants. Symptoms such as headaches and coughing are very common when exposed to these substances.

Given your situation in the UAE where you've noticed a foggy smell and family members experiencing health issues, it would be wise to get a professional indoor air quality inspection. This can help identify any specific pollutants that may be causing discomfort. In Dubai, you could call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) for expert assistance or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an appointment.

Regular ventilation is also crucial in minimizing the impact of these chemicals. Make sure your living room has adequate airflow by opening windows and using fans, especially during times when your family spends more time indoors like in the evenings.

If you decide not to seek professional help right away, ensure that all surfaces are thoroughly cleaned with eco-friendly products before settling into your newly renovated space. This can significantly reduce the presence of residual chemicals and improve air quality.

Remember, maintaining good indoor air quality is essential for both comfort and health, especially when living in a climate like Dubai where it's often hot and humid, making it harder to circulate fresh air through natural ventilation alone.

Taking these steps could help alleviate your symptoms and ensure a healthier environment for you and your family.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on January 5, 2026 2:56 pm