Minnesota Department of Public Safety Tip – Indoor Winter Safety

As part of Winter Hazard Awareness Week, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety would like you to know about potential indoor dangers during the winter season.  Carbon monoxide, radon gas, mold, and other indoor air hazards can affect the health of your family.  Read on to learn about the dangers, and how you can prevent them.From the Minnesota Department of Public Safety:

Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning can happen at any time of the year, but the danger is greater during the winter when doors and windows stay closed and fireplaces, gas heaters, or other fuel burning appliances are in use. In addition, people can also be exposed to deadly CO levels when “warming up” their cars in garages or keeping them running when stuck in snow.

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 drier overall during the winter months, certain areas of the home may experience intensified levels of humidity because of a lack of ventilation.

As the winter months arrive, and people begin spending more time indoors, indoor air quality becomes a greater health concern - especially for children. Some of the more important health hazards associated with indoor air quality are the potential for extended exposure to lead, asbestos or other types of environmental hazards in a home - especially during renovation and remodeling activities.