Is poor air quality causing sniffles and irritation?« Back to Previous Page

After the heavy dust storms we had last week, I’ve noticed a strange odor lingering in our new apartment’s living room. My family has also started experiencing sniffles and eye irritation since then. Could this be related to the air quality or materials used in the construction?
Posted by Carlos Perez
Asked on February 1, 2026 12:42 am
Is poor air quality causing sniffles and irritation?

Well, the answer to that could very well be yes. In dubai, we've seen an increase in cases of respiratory issues following such weather phenomena as dust storms. The particulate matter and other pollutants can indeed irritate your eyes, nose, throat, and even lungs. In the context of a new apartment, there's also the possibility of off-gassing from fresh building materials or furnishings.

In the uae, the emirates have their own set of environmental regulations to ensure indoor air quality (iaq) standards are met. The federation has guidelines on construction practices that aim to minimize emissions and maintain clean air in residential areas. However, these can sometimes be challenging to enforce fully.

Given your symptoms of sniffles and eye irritation following a dust storm, it's prudent to investigate the possibility of poor air quality or material issues in your new apartment. Dust storms often bring with them a mix of sand, dust, and other particles that can settle inside buildings. These particles can lead to allergic reactions and respiratory problems.

If you're experiencing such symptoms, consider having a professional inspection done. It's not uncommon for newer constructions to have some level of off-gassing from materials used in the building or furnishings that haven't fully aged yet. This could include volatile organic compounds (vocs) which are common in paints, adhesives, and other building materials.

We recommend reaching out to an environmental inspection and remediation company like saniservice.com . They can perform a thorough check of your apartment's air quality and identify any potential sources of irritation or poor indoor air. They offer services including mold testing, air quality analysis, and material assessments all tailored for the local climate and regulations.

In the meantime, you might want to use an air purifier with a high-efficiency particulate air (hepa) filter to help clean the air in your living room. Also, keeping windows closed during dusty weather can prevent additional particles from entering your home. Ensure that your home is well-ventilated when possible and replace air filters regularly as recommended by the manufacturer.

Remember, it's important to take these symptoms seriously especially if they persist or worsen. If you're concerned about the air quality in your new apartment, don't hesitate to seek professional advice.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on February 2, 2026 4:39 am