Is indoor air quality affecting my family's health?« Back to Previous Page

After the heavy smoke from the nearby construction site settled last week, I’ve noticed a persistent odor in my living room that’s particularly concerning when my family is around. The air feels stale and heavy, especially during the afternoon hours when we try to stay indoors due to the heat outside. My kids have been complaining of throat irritation and headaches, which has me worried about indoor air quality. Could there be something I should check or improve in my home to ensure better air for everyone?
Posted by Amit Mukherjee
Asked on January 31, 2026 5:38 am
0
Yes, indoor air quality can indeed be affecting your family's health. The persistent odor and stale feeling you've noticed are red flags that something may not be right within your home environment. In the UAE, particularly Dubai, we often experience high temperatures and humidity levels which can exacerbate issues like poor ventilation and inadequate air circulation.

Firstly, it’s important to understand how indoor air quality (IAQ) can impact health. Inhaling pollutants from dust, smoke, mold spores, or even volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in certain household products can lead to respiratory irritation, headaches, and other symptoms like those your kids are experiencing.

To address the situation, I recommend a few steps:

1. Ventilation: Ensure that there's adequate ventilation throughout your home. In Dubai, with its high temperatures, it might be challenging to keep windows open all day but try to do so during cooler times of the day. Consider using exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to help remove moisture and pollutants.

2. Air Purifiers: Using air purifiers can significantly improve IAQ by filtering out particulates, allergens, and some gaseous contaminants. Models with HEPA filters are particularly effective for capturing small particles.

3. Smoke Management: Since you mentioned a construction site nearby, it’s crucial to manage smoke intrusion into your home. Closing windows during times of high activity at the construction site can help mitigate this issue. Also, consider using an air purifier specifically designed to handle smoke and odors.

4. Mold Check: Given the recent exposure to smoke, there's a chance that mold could develop in your home. Regularly check damp areas like bathrooms for signs of mold growth and take action immediately if you spot any. In Dubai, due to its warm climate, maintaining proper humidity levels is key to preventing mold.

5. Professional Inspection: If the situation doesn’t improve or if you notice worsening symptoms, it would be wise to seek a professional environmental inspection. In the UAE, companies like Saniservice can provide comprehensive assessments and remediation services tailored to local conditions.

Remember, indoor air quality in Dubai can sometimes be challenging due to our climate and environment. Taking proactive steps now will not only improve your family's health but also increase the comfort and longevity of your home.

If you find this challenging or need guidance on how to proceed, don’t hesitate to contact us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com for a free consultation.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on February 1, 2026 10:03 pm