Is desert dust causing indoor issues?« Back to Previous Page

After the recent sandstorm last week, I noticed a strange yellowish haze settling on our living room windowsills, and even inside some of my books. The smell is faint but noticeable, like a mix of soil and something slightly bitter. My kids have been complaining of itchy eyes and coughs too. Could this be due to desert dust? What can we do to mitigate it in the home?
Posted by Klaus Esposito
Asked on January 31, 2026 10:46 am
0
Yes, it seems desert dust could indeed be causing the issues you're experiencing. The yellowish haze and the soil-like smell are common symptoms of dust storms that frequently occur in the UAE, especially during certain seasons.

In Dubai and other parts of the UAE, these dust particles can contain a mix of fine sand, silt, and even trace elements from the air and soil. This can lead to a noticeable presence inside your home, affecting both visibility and indoor air quality. The itchiness in eyes and coughs that your kids are experiencing could be due to the irritation caused by the fine particulate matter.

In terms of mitigating the effects at home, there are several steps you can take:

1. Air Purifiers: Invest in a high-quality air purifier with HEPA filters. These can help remove small particles from the air and improve indoor air quality.
2. Ventilation Management: During dust storms, try to avoid opening windows as much as possible. Use air conditioning units if you have them set on recirculation mode to keep the indoor air clean.
3. Regular Cleaning: Dust surfaces regularly using a damp cloth or microfiber dusters which can trap more particles compared to dry cloths. Avoid sweeping and vacuuming as it might kick up dust.

For more serious cases, I'd recommend professional inspection by environmental experts. In Dubai, Saniservice, with their expertise in indoor environmental quality, could be of great help. You can reach them at 800-MOLDS or email them at hello@saniservice.com for a thorough assessment and tailored solutions.

Remember, while these steps are effective, they might not completely eliminate the issue during severe dust storms. Staying informed about weather conditions and taking preventive measures can significantly reduce discomfort and health issues related to dust exposure.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on February 2, 2026 8:45 pm