By Eleanor Bradford BBC Scotland Health Correspondent
New research suggests drying laundry in the home poses a health risk to those
prone to asthma, hay fever and other allergies
Drying laundry in the home poses a health risk to those prone to asthma, hay
fever and other allergies, according to new research.
A study carried out by the Mackintosh School of Architecture found that many
homes had too much moisture indoors.
Up to a third of this moisture was attributed to drying laundry.
The researchers have called on housebuilders to build dedicated drying areas
into new housing to address the health concerns.
A study of 100 homes by the Mackintosh Environmental Architecture Research Unit
in Glasgow found 87% dried their washing indoors in colder weather.
Dust mites
Researcher Rosalie Menon said people were not aware how much moisture this
added to the air.
She said: "Going into people's homes, we found they were drying washing in
their living rooms, in their bedrooms.
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It's very much going back to the airing cupboards we saw in more historical
types of housing
Rosalie Menon Mackintosh School of Architecture
"Some were literally decorating the house with it, but from just one load of
washing two litres of water will be emitted."
A total of 75% of households, which were of mixed styles, had moisture levels
which could lead to dust mite growth.
There was also a strong association between drying laundry and mould spores.
A particular mould spore known to cause lung infections in people with weakened
immune systems was found in 25% of the homes sampled.
The research, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council,
was the first to track the implications of drying laundry passively inside the
home.
All of the types of housing surveyed had a lack of suitable spaces for drying
clothes.
The researchers want to see dedicated drying areas incorporated into new
housing.
Ms Menon said: "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."