MINNESOTA WINTER HAZARD AWARENESS WEEK TIP FOR INDOOR WINTER SAFETY

Another area of focus for Minnesota Winter Hazard Awareness Week is Indoor Winter Safety.  Polk County Sheriff’s Deputy Mark Hudon says that because a home is sealed tight throughout much of the winter it increases the risk for mold to develop and lowers the air quality within the home.  “There are several factors that lead to increased concern about mold during the winter months,” said Hudon.  “Moisture can build up indoor and lead to the growth of mold and mildew.  Forced air heating systems make indoor air drier overall during the winter months.  Certain areas of your home may experience intensified levels of humidity due to the lack of ventilation.  Something us to consider is during the winter months people spend more time indoors than outdoors so the indoor air quality becomes a greater health concern, especially for young children.  Some of the more important health hazards are the potential for extended exposure to things like lead, asbestos or any other type of environmental hazards in the home especially during renovations or remodeling activities.”