Are our symptoms from the living room renovation?« Back to Previous Page

After the recent renovation work in our living room, which took about three weeks, my family has been experiencing some strange symptoms. My husband keeps complaining of a headache and says it gets worse when he’s near the newly painted walls. Our daughter, who is usually very active, seems more lethargic lately and often complains of a sore throat. The air in our home just doesn’t feel right, even with the AC running. Could this be from the renovation or are we dealing with something else?
Posted by Ken Sato
Asked on December 25, 2025 12:42 pm
The symptoms your family is experiencing could indeed be related to the recent living room renovation. Renovations can introduce numerous contaminants into indoor environments such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from paints, chemicals from adhesives and sealants, and even fine particulate matter that can irritate respiratory systems.

In the UAE and specifically in Dubai, there are certain regulations concerning the use of materials in construction to ensure the quality of the air we breathe. The Federal Institute for Quality Assurance and Accreditation (GTA) sets standards for building materials which include emissions limits for VOCs. If your renovation materials did not comply with these regulations or if they were improperly used, it could contribute to the symptoms you are experiencing.

Headaches and sore throats are common complaints in such scenarios, particularly when individuals spend a lot of time indoors without adequate ventilation. The air quality during renovations can significantly deteriorate due to dust, fumes, and other irritants that accumulate. It is also possible that the newly painted walls could be releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at levels high enough to cause discomfort.

Given the duration and nature of your symptoms, it would be prudent to conduct a professional indoor air quality assessment in your home. This can help identify any specific contaminants contributing to the poor air quality and suggest remediation strategies. For such services, you could contact companies like Saniservice that offer mold testing, air quality analysis, and other environmental inspections.

In the meantime, ensure that there is proper ventilation by opening windows whenever possible (weather permitting) or using high-efficiency air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters to capture fine particles and allergens. Additionally, limiting time spent in the living room until it has been fully aired out could be beneficial.

Remember that your health and comfort are paramount, so addressing these concerns as soon as possible is highly recommended. Don't hesitate to reach out for professional advice and support.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on December 26, 2025 9:16 pm