Poorly Ventilated Indoor Spaces... Increased Mold Growth
During the cold winter months, many people hang their laundry indoors. However, this practice can potentially lead to the growth of mold and other fungi, which may cause health problems.
Dr. Rebecca Drummond, an immunology and immunotherapy expert at the University of Birmingham in the UK, wrote in an article for the Australian nonprofit media outlet The Conversation on the 8th (local time) that “hanging wet clothes to dry in poorly ventilated spaces can increase mold growth indoors.”
According to Drummond, mold is a type of fungus that forms particles called spores, which thrive in cool temperatures combined with high humidity. Mold is commonly found on bathroom ceilings or in damp rooms, often leaving black or green spots on walls and causing unpleasant odors. The problem is that mold is not just a cosmetic issue but can cause serious health problems over time.
Dr. Drummond warned, “Prolonged exposure to mold can lead to severe health issues and, in extreme cases, may even be fatal.” Common molds found in damp environments include Penicillium and Aspergillus. In most cases, the immune system can handle small amounts of mold spores inhaled daily, but people with weakened immune systems or lung damage are at risk of infections or worsening underlying conditions. Asthma patients, in particular, may experience respiratory difficulties due to hypersensitive immune reactions to mold spores.
Aspergillus can cause infections in people with weakened immune systems or those suffering from lung diseases such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Asthma patients may show hypersensitivity to mold spores, leading to lung inflammation and increased breathing difficulties.
Mold spores not only cause inflammation but can also invade lung tissue and cause bleeding. To prevent mold, it is important to manage indoor humidity levels. Dr. Drummond explained, “The best practice is to dry clothes outdoors year-round, and when drying indoors, ventilate regularly or use a dehumidifier or heating function to control humidity.”
To prevent mold damage, it is effective to ensure good ventilation inside the home, use a dehumidifier, or utilize heated clothes hangers when drying laundry indoors during winter.
Experts also pointed out that towels hung in bathrooms can become breeding grounds for various bacteria and pathogens, potentially spreading infectious diseases. Wet towels provide ideal conditions for mold and pathogens to grow in the high-humidity bathroom environment. They are also at greater risk of contamination by absorbing microorganisms dispersed in the air from the toilet.
Professor Drummond emphasized, “It is important to prevent mold in the home” and recommended reducing indoor moisture by ventilating well, using a dehumidifier, or using a heated drying rack with a heating function.
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