Washing at low temperature: savings in energy but not healthy

After the decree emulsifier March 3 last year with which we have adapted to the EC Directive on the promotion of energy from renewable sources, has also promoted the use of energy efficient appliances. Washing machine / dishwasher is recommended that you use, where possible, low-temperature washing cycles, trying to consolidate the washing during the evening / night at full load and at room temperature over 60 °.

ALARM Escherichia coli - But according to a study from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine recently presented at the International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene in London this way of washing clothes is potentially dangerous, so much so that an alarm is launched on the risk of new case of E. Coli outbreak in Great Britain where the recommendations to save energy are urging all British subjects to use the washing machines with water temperatures of only 15 degrees. In the long run this habit may in fact select drug-resistant strains with serious consequences for the entire family.

BETTER AT LEAST 40 ° 60 ° - An average load of laundry contains 100 million E. Coli as well as Norovirus, Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus. To eradicate these unwelcome guests of our laundry requires temperatures of at least 40 degrees, often in combination with suitable detergents and even better would rise to 60 degrees, so as to approach the old custom to boil the clothes to 100 degrees.

CLEANING AGENTS HARMLESS - However another study published in the British Journal of Dermatology housewives reassured about the risk of damage to the skin of the hands because of detergents, organic and non-biological, washing machine which can then be safely used to help the hot water destroy pathogens. When washing clothes of young children or particularly dirty, scholars suggest, it would be useful to add also suitable disinfectants, but perhaps the housewives knew this already, at least in Italy.