Dubai residents complain of foul odour, seek relief
The matter has reached the point where it can no longer be neglected, with some residents going as far as moving to a different area due to the constant exacerbation of the issue at hand
Ali and Ahmed are residents in Liwan, Warsan and international city, and are battling with this suffocating smell that they suspect emanates from a sewage treatment works in their vicinity. When asked, the explained that the odor is so bad it lasts from the time sun sets to when sun rises, making it hard to breath for relief.
“I live in international city, and the stench is such that the air is unbreathable around 7pm. Windows shut and balconies are off limits from that time.” This has been the case in most families, for Sarah Jafars family who is a resident in International City, her children have been particularly vomiting all due to this stink.
A section of the family has contacted the Dubai Municipality about the problem and are waiting for a reply with regards to the problem on their side. With there being no solution to the issue and seasons continuing to change feelings have been due amazement to what the residents have felt. The odor itself is an appalling one often referred to as arising from a septic tank.
Altered lifestyles
What the family has had to do, however, is to seal off their windows and doors tightly, which even so helps. It is all gone, and we wonder will it ever come back again - even better: stronger than before”. “There is this smell that will peak at intervals, sometimes…… And then after some time, it will just go away again,” she added.
Quite the same, Amira Hassan, a Liwan’s resident, stated: “Once I enjoyed staying for hours on the balcony. It was not, rather it is no longer possible.” The stench has affected more than her enjoyment of the outdoors, affecting even the more mundane aspects. “Whenever I have a basket of clean clothes to dry, I usually wait until morning for the laundry because there is no way I am going to put the clothes outdoors with that smell.”
Amira has gone through a list of remedies and different techniques including burning incense and air fresheners to get rid of the odour, but nothing seems to help. “It has always been and still is a war, and it is a serious threat to our health in all aspects,” she noted.
Health risks
Because of that issue, many have become worried as some of them have contemplated moving out of their homes. “The smell makes its way into the house,” said Ahmed who lives in Warsan area. He feels that it is caused by the nearby sewage works and he also noted, “In summer, when it’s hot plus humid, that stinky problem has become worse; it even went inside my car.” Ahmed tried to contact his building manager asking whether it was possible to fix the problem, but he was left with no assistance.
Physicians have previously warned that there might be some adverse health outcomes due to the lengthy exposure to offensive smells. “There are many health impacts because of bad odour, especially on the respiratory tracts headaches to gastrointestinal symptoms with instances of vomiting or nauseating.” Dr Mohammad Rashid Farooqui, Specialist Internal Medicine (OGUK Certified Physician) Aster Clinic Ras Al Khaimah said.
Some population categories, like kids, aged people, and patients suffering toward existing conditions may be some of the severely impacted groups he pointed out. “Respiratory system development amongst children may be more affected, whereas for the older population their defense mechanisms could be compromised.” Dr Farooqui elaborated.
Tips to tackle odour
In order to address health hazards which the people might face, they are suggested making the rooms of their homes more ventilated, purchasing air purifiers and making use of natural deodorizers such as baking soda or vinegar.
Such exposure for a long period of time may result to some chronic ailments of the lungs with time even cardiovascular ailments.
"We just want to be able to live comfortably in our own homes," said Sarah. "We hope that the authorities will come to realise the seriousness of the issue and march forward willingly to search for the way out of it." As hot summer days remain, residents are still searching for ways out of this situation.
In a similar vein Dr Lina Nasr of Lebanon, residing in Sharjah, focused on the importance of both public and private actions to combat the problem of the smell. “Such residents should demand better waste disposal and maintenance of sewage systems to minimize harmful emissions,” she argued.
On a personal note, Dr Nasr suggested that in order to improve indoor air quality, it would be necessary to install high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters within the AC systems and to replace the filters on time. “Using indoor plants such as peace lilies and spider plants, which help filter out odorous molecules, even on the balcony can promote better air quality too,” she concluded.
The specialist has done further research to show how a number of countries have set up successful odor controls. "They have built biofilters in the sewage treatment facilities for removal of unsightly odors caused by malodorous gasses," explained Dr Nasr.
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