Are our new home materials harmful due to off-gassing?« Back to Previous Page

Absolutely, off-gassing from new home materials can be concerning, especially considering the presence of young children who are more susceptible to harmful substances. The situation you've described—new carpeting and furniture emitting a chemical smell and your kids experiencing headaches and nausea—is definitely worth investigating further.

In the UAE, particularly in Dubai, there have been increasing concerns about indoor air quality due to off-gassing from materials used in construction and renovation projects. While many building products are designed to minimize emissions, some can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other harmful substances that might affect your family's health, especially over prolonged exposure.

The UAE does not currently have stringent regulations mandating the certification of all indoor materials for off-gassing but it is advisable to look out for certifications from reputable organizations such as GreenGuard Gold or LEED. These certifications indicate that the product has undergone rigorous testing and meets specific standards for low emissions, which can be particularly important in a home with young children.

Given your symptoms and concerns, I would recommend professional air quality testing to identify any potential sources of off-gassing. Saniservice.com, known in Dubai for their expertise in environmental inspections and remediation, could provide valuable insights through their services. They might use equipment like gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or passive samplers to detect the presence and levels of VOCs.

Additionally, you can take some immediate steps to improve air quality:
1. Ensure proper ventilation by opening windows daily for fresh air circulation.
2. Use activated carbon filters in air purifiers as they are effective at adsorbing many common indoor pollutants including VOCs.
3. Avoid using synthetic fragrances or cleaners which could exacerbate the issue.

Remember, prevention is key—opting for certified low-emitting products during renovations can significantly reduce future health risks. Should you find high levels of off-gassing, addressing it promptly might involve removing some materials, sealing them with approved coatings, or even replacing problematic items entirely.

If you decide to pursue professional help, call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) for a consultation from Saniservice. They can guide you through the process and offer tailored solutions based on your home's specific needs.