'Unhygienic laundries can lead to skin diseases'

Laundries that do not adhere to public health standards could be a reason for the spread of skin diseases, particularly Tinea Versicolor, scabies and eczema, say dermatologists.

Dr Anwar Al Hammadi, Professor at Dubai Medical College, said substandard laundry detergents can lead to skin irritation.

He added that the possibility of transmission of infectious skin diseases through laundries is high.

He stressed that laundries must strictly adhere to health standards and use sterilised material and high quality washing powders to prevent the transmission of diseases.

Al Hammadi pointed out that Tinea and scabies are two such skin diseases that result from lack of proper hygiene, and are at risk of spreading through public laundries.

Meanwhile, Dr Amnah Al Muhairi, head of the Department of Dermatology at Tawam Hospital in Al Ain, confirmed that washing clothes at a temperature of 60-degrees Celsius, as well a thorough washusing high quality laundry detergents can prevent the spread of such diseases, particularly allergy.

However, she explained that the failure to comply with these conditions may also lead to skin irritation for those who are suffering of eczema.

Dr Abdul-Salam Saleh, head of Environmental Protection Section at Dubai Municipality, said that the municipality imposes sanctions on offending laundries according to the Local Order 11 of 2003.

He added penalties start with a fine of Dh100 and go all the way up to Dh500,000, with fines multiplying in the event of a repeat offense within a year. In addition, major offenses also result in the withdrawal of the work permit of the business, and disconnection of water and electricity to its facility.

He stressed that the municipality regularly conducts inspections as per the classification of the establishment and its former municipal record.

Khaldoun Fadhel Al-daraji, first environment safety officer in the Environmental Studies and Planning Department in Dubai Municipality, said that the municipality establishes stringent requirements for laundry shops in Dubai, and one of the requirements is that the water used must be sterile and 100 per cent drinkable.

He added as well that washing detergents and cleaning substances should be licensed and from good brands.

It is worth mentioning that Al Ain municipality recently penalised 22 laundry shops due to not complying with the requirements of the health of the city, and confiscated 17 washing machines.

The Ras Al Khaimah Municipality too caught 40 laundry shops violating the rules, where they caught them washing customers’ clothes in labour accommodation, and gave them 15 days as grace period to rectify their status.

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