Is the acrid smell in my living room hazardous?« Back to Previous Page

After the heavy smoke from a nearby construction site settled last month, I’ve noticed a persistent acrid smell in the living room, especially when the air conditioning is on. The kids have been complaining of coughing fits and my partner has mentioned feeling dizzy at times. How urgent is it to address this issue, and what steps should we take immediately?
Posted by Mark Martin
Asked on January 11, 2026 12:59 am
0
The acrid smell in your living room could be hazardous, especially given the recent exposure to construction site smoke. This type of situation is pretty common in the UAE and Dubai due to the high number of ongoing construction projects.

Firstly, it's vital that you don't disregard this issue as a minor inconvenience. The coughing fits experienced by your kids and the dizziness felt by your partner could be linked to air quality issues. In Dubai, according to the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), indoor air quality is a concern due to factors like dust, construction-related pollutants, and even indoor plants releasing volatile organic compounds.

Immediate Steps:
1. Stop using the air conditioning until you can have it inspected for potential mold growth or other contaminants.
2. Open windows and doors if weather permits to improve ventilation and reduce the concentration of harmful particles in your home.
3. Use HEPA filters in your HVAC system, as they are effective at capturing tiny particles that might be causing irritation.

For a more thorough analysis, I strongly recommend getting a professional indoor air quality inspection. In Dubai, you can contact our team at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com for a comprehensive assessment and remediation plan. Our experts will check for sources of the smell, like mold growth behind walls, and address any issues to ensure your family's health.

In the meantime, keep an eye on the air quality in your area by checking EAD's reports and advisories. Also, consider investing in portable air purifiers that can help reduce allergens and irritants in your home.

Remember, indoor air quality is a serious matter, particularly with children and other vulnerable family members around. Addressing this issue promptly could prevent long-term health impacts.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on January 13, 2026 11:15 pm