Drying laundry inside homes a risk to health and wealth

Drying laundry inside the home could pose health risks, according to a study.

Research carried out by the Mackintosh Environmental Architecture Research Unit (MEARU) at the Glasgow School of Art revealed that laundry habits could also create economic problems.

Hanging washing on airers and radiators is common practice and is responsible for one-third of moisture in the home.

Experts say these conditions encourage mould spores and dust mites which are known causes of asthma.

Professor Colin Porteous of MEARU said: “Because of increased awareness of the energy consumption of tumble dryers, many people are choosing to dry clothes passively within their home.

“This results not only in a severe energy penalty, because of increased heating demand, but also a potential health risk due to higher moisture levels.”

The study showed that indoor drying also causes environmental and economic problems which house builders should take into account.

The current trend for airtight construction and smaller homes contributes towards moisture build-up, it said. The study suggests that separate drying spaces should be included in the design of homes, whether they be communal or as part of individual properties, while a short-term solution would be to improve ventilation.