Kabul’s Winter Dilemma: Affordable Second-Hand Clothes or a Health Risk?
Winter in Kabul has brought a familiar sight to city markets. Piles of imported second-hand clothing, known locally as “leylami,” are a common solution for staying warm affordably. However, local doctors are raising urgent alarms about serious public health risks linked to these garments.
Medical professionals explain the clothes often arrive without proper cleaning. They can harbor bacteria and parasites from their countries of origin. Consequently, diseases like tuberculosis, hepatitis, and fungal infections can potentially spread to new wearers.
Doctors Detail the Specific Health Threats
The warnings from Kabul’s doctors are specific and grave. Dr. Samira Shahir Rahimi highlights the risk of tuberculosis. She notes TB is not eradicated in many exporting countries, and the bacteria can survive in dark, damp fabrics like thick winter jackets.
Dr. Bismillah Ghaffari points to more immediate skin diseases. These include scabies, lice, and fungal infections. He states that children and the elderly face the greatest danger from unwashed garments.
“Underwear, socks, and tight clothing cause illness more often,” Dr. Ghaffari explains. Imported clothes may also carry dried sweat or chemicals that trigger allergies and breathing issues.
A Cultural and Economic Mainstay
Despite the risks, leylami clothing is deeply embedded in Afghan life. Markets like Kote Sangi and Cinema Pamir are bustling hubs. They provide essential affordability for families and livelihoods for vendors.
Many residents, like Yaqub, see no major threat. He dresses his son in an unwashed jacket from the market, believing Afghans are “used to germs.” Others, like Sulaiman, avoid illness by always washing clothes thoroughly before use.
However, some have learned hard lessons. Hussain recounted how one piece of clothing caused a skin disease that spread through his entire family. He has since stopped buying second-hand items altogether.
The Critical Step for Safety
All doctors agree on one crucial safety measure. Proper washing and disinfection can make leylami clothing safe to wear. Dr. Munir Ahmad Raihan offers a detailed protocol.
He advises washing the clothes well first. Then, seal them in a plastic bag for three to four days. Finally, wash them again thoroughly. This process helps kill persistent germs.
Ironing clothes after washing provides additional protection. Doctors universally warn citizens to never buy second-hand underwear. They urge people not to sacrifice health for a low price, especially during the harsh winter.
