The sun and the wind are the assurance of a clean and fresh cloth, dried in a few minutes (especially these days). But behind this repeated natural gesture from generation to generation, however, hide some risks for your health. Especially if you are sensitive to allergies. Here is which one.
Pollen and allergens: the enemy of sensitive people
When you extend your sheets outside, they become real pollen and dust nets. Transported by the wind, these allergens are deposited on the surface and cling to the fibers. Consequence: in people allergic, it can trigger sneezing, itching, asthma or even eczema thrusts.
To know : The risk is maximum in spring and summer, in the middle of a pollinant season. The sheets, which are directly related to the skin and the respiratory tract, then become a real vector of allergy.
Air pollution: toxicities also coile
Drying your laundry in the countryside obviously does not have the same effects as in the heart of a big city. Sheets that dry outside can then imprison fine particles, diesel, benzene, even heavy metals. These irritating and sometimes carcinogenic substances remain in direct contact with the skin and mucous membranes overnight.
“PWe are close to high traffic roads or a polluted environment (factories, construction sites, fireplace or fires), the greater this risk “ recalls our medical director
Sun and textile fibers: a duo that does not mix well
We also imagine that the sun is beneficial because it “purifies” the linen. Info or Intox? “If it is true that UVs have an antibacterial action, they do not spare textile fibers” continues our expert.
Indeed, ultraviolet rays gradually break the fibers, especially those of synthetic tissues such as polyester or elastane. Consequently, sheets exposed to the sun, become rough, tear themselves off faster and release more microplastics during washes. “”It is not only a question of comfort: these microfibers end up in the environment and participate in ocean pollution “.
Humidity and mold: when drying is incomplete
If drying in the open air is incomplete, persistent humidity becomes an ideal ground for the development of mold. You have the unpleasant smell of “wet linen” but above all, invisible mushroom spores which can cause cough, bronchitis or even infections such as aspergillosis.
Reminder : a poorly dried linen should be reofered. Retrailing it is not always enough to remove microscopic fungi.
Fresh linen, but attractive for insects
The pleasant smell of dried linen makes you capsize? Know that it also attracts. Undesirable visitors such as flies, mosquitoes, even mites. Leaving them for too long can therefore be worth some risks of bites.
“REntering your laundry before nightfall avoids dew, but also the arrival of night insects ” advises Dr. Kierzek.
How to dry your laundry without risk?
But then, should we banish drying in the wind? And deprive yourself of this natural heat source? Not necessarily. As often in health, it is above all a question of finding the right balance between pleasure and precaution.
- Favor interior drying in a well -ventilated room;
- Use a dryer with hypoallergenic program if possible, especially for sensitive people.
If you dry out anyway:
- Choose a sunny but not very windy day, and out of the strong pollen period;
- Avoid polluted areas: roads, industrial zones, barbecues lit nearby;
- Return the sheets before night to limit moisture and insects;
- Side them before extending them, then before folding them, to eliminate the residues as much as possible.
Expanding your sheets outside remains a pleasant, ecological and economical practice. The solution is not to give it completely, but to remain attentive to the environment, the climate and the drying conditions. To keep sheets, clean, fresh, and which will accommodate your nights without incident.