Is persistent smell harming indoor air quality?« Back to Previous Page

After the heavy smoke from a nearby construction site settled about two weeks ago, I’ve noticed a persistent irritating smell in the living room. My children have been complaining of itchy eyes and coughing every time we stay there longer than an hour. Could this be related to indoor air quality? What steps can I take to improve it for my family’s health?
Posted by Nisha Iyer
Asked on January 17, 2026 3:53 am
0
The persistent smell and accompanying symptoms that your family is experiencing could indeed be related to indoor air quality issues. In the UAE, particularly in Dubai, construction activities are common and can introduce various pollutants into the environment. These pollutants can find their way indoors through open windows or ventilation systems and contribute to poor IAQ.

Construction-related smoke particles, dust, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from building materials, and other irritants like pollen can cause unpleasant odours and trigger respiratory issues. In your case, given that the smell is persistent and accompanied by eye irritation and coughing, it’s quite likely that indoor air quality has been compromised.

Firstly, consider opening windows to allow fresh air in. If the weather permits, this can help dilute the pollutants. However, if outdoor air quality is poor due to smoke or dust from construction sites, keeping windows closed with an effective air filtration system might be necessary.

A simple yet effective step would be to use an air purifier equipped with a HEPA filter. These filters are designed to capture fine particles and allergens that could be causing the irritation. Additionally, consider using activated carbon filters which can absorb odours effectively.

Regularly cleaning your HVAC systems (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) is crucial in maintaining good indoor air quality. This includes changing or washing filters as recommended by the manufacturer.

If these steps do not improve the situation significantly, it might be wise to call for a professional inspection from an environmental health expert familiar with the UAE regulations. The Abu Dhabi Environment Agency (EAD) and Dubai Municipality have guidelines regarding construction dust and indoor air quality that professionals can help you adhere to.

Remember, children are more susceptible to poor IAQ than adults due to their smaller lungs and higher breathing rates. Protecting them is key.

For assistance, you may contact Saniservice at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com. They have the expertise to assess your situation accurately and provide tailored solutions for improving indoor air quality in your home.

Taking these steps will help mitigate the issues but don’t delay seeking professional advice if the problems persist, especially during this period of heightened construction activity.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on January 22, 2026 4:00 pm