What should I do about dust and health concerns?« Back to Previous Page

After the recent construction next door that lasted almost a year, I’ve been noticing a strange dust settling on our furniture and windowsills. My family members have started to complain of persistent coughing and sore throats, especially my young daughter who has asthma. The municipality guidelines in Dubai state they should address such issues but I’m not sure if we’re following the correct procedures or if there’s something more we should be doing. What steps should I take according to the current municipality guidelines?
Posted by Huda Al-Mansour
Asked on January 3, 2026 9:10 am
Dust and health concerns can be quite distressing, especially given your family's medical history. The situation you're describing requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure compliance with UAE regulations and to address the immediate issues effectively.

Firstly, it’s crucial to understand that the UAE, particularly Dubai, has stringent guidelines concerning indoor air quality and dust management. According to the municipality guidelines in place, it is essential to maintain a clean environment free from excessive dust which could exacerbate respiratory conditions like asthma. The first step you should take is to contact the relevant local authorities or your municipal health department for guidance on reporting such issues.

You have a couple of options here:
1. Formal Complaint: You can file a formal complaint with the local municipality, citing the disturbances from the construction activities and requesting an inspection. This is particularly important given that the construction has been ongoing for almost a year.
2. Professional Inspection: Given your family’s health concerns, especially your daughter's asthma, it might be prudent to engage a professional environmental inspection company. Services such as Saniservice (contacting them at 800-MOLDS or by emailing hello@saniservice.com) can provide a detailed assessment of the indoor environment and suggest remedial measures.

When engaging with professionals, make sure to request comprehensive reports that outline any potential hazards and recommended solutions. This might include air quality tests, particle analysis, and recommendations for cleaning protocols and possibly even structural modifications if necessary.

In addition to professional assistance, you can also take some proactive steps at home:
• Regularly clean surfaces using microfiber cloths which trap more dust than conventional materials.
• Use HEPA filters in your HVAC system to capture fine particles that might pass through standard filters.
• Ensure proper ventilation by opening windows when the weather permits and running exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens.

Moreover, it’s important to monitor any changes in health symptoms among family members. Persistent coughing or sore throats should not be ignored, especially if they worsen over time. Keeping a record of these symptoms can also aid in your interactions with both professionals and authorities.

In summary, while the municipality guidelines exist to address such issues, proactive engagement through formal complaints and professional inspections would likely provide the best course of action. Remember that maintaining a clean and healthy indoor environment is paramount for everyone's well-being, especially those with pre-existing health conditions like asthma.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on January 5, 2026 5:22 pm