With shorter days and poorer drying weather, many of us have started drying our washing indoors. A new study from Glasgow has found that this can increase allergy risk to hayfever and mould or dust mite allergies.

The study, carried out by the Mackintosh School of Architecture in Glasgow reports that many homes had too much moisture indoors and that up to one third of it was due to drying clothes. Three-quarters of the homes surveyed had moisture levels which could lead to dust mite growth, whilst there was a strong link between drying laundry and mould spores. [1]

Dust mites can cause higher levels of asthma and other airborne allergies, whilst mould spores can cause hayfever type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose and sore eyes.

Barrier balms are applied to the base of the nostrils to help stop airborne allergens entering the body, in order to keep the sufferer allergy-free for longer. As long as this keeps the sufferer below their trigger level, they will have no allergic reaction.

HayMax has been proven “to block over a third of pollen grains in the air before they enter the body” [2]. The same study also found HayMax to be effective in trapping dust mite allergens. It is effective against grass, tree and weed pollens, and mould spores.

Lindsey McManus, Deputy CEO of Allergy UK comments:

“HayMax was originally awarded the accolade for helping to manage hay fever symptoms. We are delighted this has now been extended to cover indoor allergens.

“The product is suitable when trying to reduce exposure to cat and house dust mite allergens, and can be used as part of an allergen management program.

“With around 12 million people suffering from indoor allergies in the UK, we welcome this fantastic news.”

HayMax™ is proud to be Allergy UK’s official corporate hay fever partner for 2012/13.

[1] A study of 100 homes by the Mackintosh Environmental Architecture Research Unit in Glasgow, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. The research is the first to track the implications of drying laundry passively inside the home. All of the types of housing surveyed had a lack of suitable spaces for drying clothes.

[2] Chief Investigator: Professor Roy Kennedy, Principal Investigator: Louise Robertson, Researcher: Dr Mary Lewis, National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit, 1st February 2012.