A common practice for drying clothes in Ireland is to hang them on a clothes horse or put them on the radiator. We don’t always get the weather for hanging them on the line and a lot of houses don’t have room for a dryer.
However, a warning has been issued by the Asthma Society of Ireland, urging people not to do this with their wet clothes.
Hanging clothes indoors adds moisture to a room and encourages the growth of mould. This mould can causes issues for some people. It affects breathing, particularly for those who have asthma or a weakened immune system. It can also affect people with skin problems.
Pheena Kenny, of the Asthma Society of Ireland, told RTÉ,
“Moist environments encourage the growth of mould which can release ‘seeds’ called spores. The spores can cause allergic reactions in some people. Mould and fungal spores are often invisible to the naked eye.”
Ms Kenny adds,
“Normally, when people breathe in these spores, their immune system helps get rid of them by coughing or sneezing. If you aren’t sensitive to mould, you may never even experience a reaction. But for some people with asthma who are sensitive to mould spores, it can act as a trigger, causing asthma symptoms to get worse.”
Pheena also gave some specific advice about drying clothes,
“Where possible dry washing outside, or in a tumble dryer in a well-ventilated indoor space away from bedrooms and living areas.
Mould and mildew can grow in damp and humid places, such as bathrooms, kitchens and basements.”
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