Father suffers lung disease after drying clothes inside the house.

Craig Mather, 43, from Bolton endured serious lung issues because of mould spores that appeared from drying clothes on the radiator in his living room. “I began to recuperate just when I was diagnosed to have constant pulmonary aspergillosis and was recommended the particular drugs to fight fungal infections,” said the father of three children.

Specialists warn that drying inside can be the reason for genuine wellbeing risks. The clothing, set on a radiator, can bring the humidity level up in the home for up to 30 percent and make perfect conditions for the development of mould spores.

“One bunch of washed clothing contains just about two litres of water that is discharged into the room. Most of us are immune to contamination that develop in these wet conditions, or have a body that can battle the disease.

Nonetheless, patients with asthma may experience issues with coughing and breathing difficulties, and in individuals with weakened immune system, for example, tumour patients treated with chemotherapy and patients with AIDS and immune system ailments, parasites can bring about pulmonary aspergillosis.

It is a condition that can bring about serious and deadly lung damage, “said Professor David Denning who advises the clothing to be dried outside, in a tumble dryer or in a well-ventilated indoor space away from bedrooms and living room.

We were chatting in the MOMs office about those people who live in a unit where strata doesn’t allow you to dry laundry on the balcony. It would be difficult at times to get your washing dry. I think the key is to make sure it is always well-ventilated if you are drying laundry inside.

What is aspergillosis?

Aspergillosis is a disease caused by Aspergillus, a common mold (a type of fungus) that lives indoors and outdoors. Most people breathe in Aspergillus spores every day without getting sick. However, people with weakened immune systems or lung diseases are at a higher risk of developing health problems due to Aspergillus. There are different types of aspergillosis. Some types are mild, but some of them are very serious.

Other factors to be aware of in Winter

Statistics reveal that almost half of all home fires are started in the kitchen and 43% of all fire fatalities occur in winter. The key to reducing the risk of fire occurring in your home and to surviving a house fire is being prepared. Everyone in your household should understand what risks there are in your home and what to do to minimise them.

Is your home winter fire safe?

• Never ever leave cooking unattended. “Keep Looking When Cooking”
• be mindful of carbon monoxide poisoning
• Most importantly, have an adequate number of suitable smoke alarms installed throughout your home and make sure that you test them regularly.
  •Make sure you and all your family know two safe ways out of every room in your home.
  •Have a written home escape plan in case of fire and practice it regularly.
  •If you have a fireplace in your home make sure the chimney is clean, and its properly ventilated
  •If you have a fireplace always place a screen in front of it when in use.
  •Check electric blankets for damage or frayed cords before placing on the bed.
  •Take care to keep curtains, tablecloths and bedding away from portable heaters.
  •Keep wet clothing at least 1 metre from heaters or fireplaces and never leave unattended.
  •If you use a clothes dryer make sure you clean the lint filter each and every time you use it.
  •Only use one appliance per power point and switch off when not in use.
  •Always extinguish candles or any other open flames before going to bed.
  •Always handle candles or any other open flame with care.
  •Store matches or lighters in a secure place not accessible to young children.
  •Avoid the use of outdoor heating and cooking equipment inside your home. The use of this type of equipment indoors could lead to the build up of carbon Monoxide which could be fatal.

Also remember wheat bags can help pain, but they also have the potential to cause burns and fire if improperly used. Fire & Rescue NSW Firefighters have responded to numerous residential fires that have occurred due to wheat bags overheating in the microwave oven or wheat bags being used to warm bedding materials.

Share your comments below.

Image via Shutterstock