For countless households across India, the monsoon and winter seasons bring a familiar struggle: drying laundry without the sun. The common solution of hanging wet clothes inside homes, however, is now flagged as a significant health hazard by global experts. What seems like a harmless chore is compromising indoor air quality and elevating serious respiratory risks.
The Hidden Danger of Indoor Humidity
When you hang wet or damp laundry inside your home, especially in corners with poor ventilation, the moisture from the clothes evaporates into the air. A single load of washing can release up to two litres of water vapour into your living space. Rooms lacking proper airflow trap this moisture, spiking indoor humidity levels. This artificially created damp environment is a perfect breeding ground for mould and fungi, turning a simple household activity into a source of indoor pollution.
WHO Guidelines Sound the Alarm on Dampness
The World Health Organization (WHO) has clear warnings in its "Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Dampness and Mould." Based on a systematic review of worldwide research, the guidelines connect indoor moisture to severe health outcomes. The evidence highlights a heightened prevalence of respiratory symptoms, aggravation of asthma and allergies, and disturbances in immune responses.
Most alarmingly, research cited by the WHO indicates that people living in damp or mouldy buildings face up to a 75% greater risk of respiratory symptoms and asthma compared to those in dry, well-ventilated spaces. Indoor drying of clothes creates persistent damp conditions that mirror this dangerous environment if the excess moisture is not effectively removed.
Mould Growth and Chemical Irritants
The evaporated moisture from drying laundry often condenses on cooler surfaces like walls and windows. These damp patches become ideal sites for toxic moulds such as Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Stachybotrys. These moulds are notorious for irritating the respiratory tract and triggering allergic reactions, with children and elderly residents being particularly vulnerable.
The problems don't end with mould. The excessive indoor moisture also encourages dust mites to thrive. Furthermore, drying synthetic fabrics indoors may release residual volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or detergent chemicals into the air. This adds to indoor air pollution, potentially causing irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat.
Safer Alternatives for Indian Households
Health organisations, including the WHO, recommend preventing indoor microbial growth by controlling moisture and improving ventilation. For homes without outdoor drying space, the advised solutions are to use vented tumble dryers or efficient dehumidifiers. Whenever possible, drying laundry on a balcony or in a dedicated, well-ventilated area is the safest practice.
The evidence is clear: while convenient, drying clothes indoors is a risky habit that can seriously compromise your family's respiratory health. Being aware of the dangers and adopting safer drying methods is a crucial step towards a healthier home.
