Irish households have been warned not to dry clothes on washing lines from tomorrow, and for very reasonable reason too.
With temperatures on the rise once again in Ireland many will be thinking of getting that fresh air dried feeling into their washing after being hung up under the sun.
Ireland is set to endure another round of hot weather this week, with temperatures set to return to the low 30s once again.
However, with warm weather at this time of year comes also plenty of flora and fauna which in turn means loads of pollen!
For those who suffer from hay fever, summer can be as much of a blessing as a curse, causing symptoms from itchy eyes to runny noses.
And, one key aspect of pollen is that it is very sticky!
When the weather is warm, windy and dry pollen gets easily transported in the wind and will ultimately get caught on clothes that have been hung out to dry.
There are different types of pollen which are released at different times, tree, grass and weed pollen.
Grass pollen is the type most people are allergic to.
With the first two weeks of July considered the peak of grass pollen levels, it might be considered wise to avoid hanging out clothes to dry on rather windy days to avoid becoming a human-sized pollen trap.
"Grass, nettle and weed pollen in particularly high levels expected during this warm period," Met Eireann's latest pollen forecast said. "Medium to high concentrations expected for grass, nettle and weed pollen."
With the only way to deal with hay fever being taking preventative measures, experts advise to do as much as possible to avoid pollen contact in the first place.
Now, as we established that pollen likes to stick to clothes, it might be wise for suffers of hay fever to not carry the trigger around with you at all times stuck to your torso.
Furthermore, it could also invite pollen back into households which really won't make things better.
Experts at MattressOnline [via the Express] say: “Don’t dry clothes on an outside washing line. Some of your washing habits might need changing when dealing with hay fever symptoms. For example, avoid drying your clothes and bedsheets outside in the fresh air after doing your laundry, where pollen and dust can collect. Instead, dry them in a tumble dryer or hang them up inside.”
Fenham Hall Medical Group added: “Pollen is fine and sticky. Blocking it out when you are outside is the best way to minimise its effect. Sunglasses can help prevent pollen from reaching your eyes, and wearing a hat can stop it from sticking to your hair and getting into your face. When you get home, shower, wash your hair, and change all your clothes."
