While getting in out of the cold during the winter is important, being indoors can also present a health hazard which is why Indoor Winter Safety is today’s topic for Minnesota Winter Hazard Awareness Week.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is called the invisible killer and the risk of CO poisoning increases during the winter which is why Polk County Chief Deputy Mike Norland suggests all homes have a CO detector. “Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen any time of the year but the danger is greater during the winter when doors and windows stay closed, and fireplace, gas heaters, and other fuel-burning appliances are in use,” said Norland. “In addition, people can also be exposed to deadly CO levels when warming up their cars in garages or keeping them running while stuck in the snow. It’s best to get some sort of alarm in your house, a carbon monoxide alarm.”
Despite the dryer conditions during the winter, Norland also said some areas of the home become more susceptible to the growth of mold and mildew. “Other factors to consider during the wintertime is mold,” said Norland. “Several factors lead to increased concerns about mold during the winter months. Moisture conditions indoors can lead to the growth of molds and mildews. While forced-air heating systems make indoor air dryer overall during the winter months certain areas of the home may experience intensified levels of humidity because of the lack of ventilation.”
Norland also adds that air quality can be reduced during the winter. “As winter months arrive and people begin spending more time indoors, indoor air quality becomes a greater health concern, especially for children,” said Norland. “Some of the more important health hazards associated with indoor air quality are the protentional for extended exposure to lead, asbestos, and other types of environmental hazards in a home, especially during renovation and remodeling activities which tend to happen over the winter months.”
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