Indoor laundry drying can be bad for health, says research

New research suggests indoor laundry drying can be dangerous for those prone to asthma, hay fever, and other allergies

12:47 04 November 2012

Research conducted by Mackintosh School of Architecture suggests that drying laundry inside the house is one of the reasons for the presence of too much moisture indoors.  This moisture level can pose health problems as it could lead to dust mite growth.

 

The research, which used 100 houses in Glasglow as samples, revealed that 87per cent of people are drying their washing indoors during colder weather. For this reason, they have reportedly called on house builders to build drying areas when making new housing units, in order to effectively address health concerns.

 

The research also establishes a strong association between drying laundry and mould spores. A particular mould that was found in 25per cent of the homes sampled is known to cause lung infection to those people who have weak immune system.

 

Researcher Rosalie Menon said, as quoted by the BBC: “Going into people's homes, we found they were drying washing in their living rooms, in their bedrooms.

 

“Some were literally decorating the house with it, but from just one load of washing two litres of water will be emitted.”

 

On making dedicated space for drying clothes, Ms Menon added: “These spaces should be independently heated and ventilated. It's very much going back to the airing cupboards we saw in more historical types of housing.”