This is Winter Hazard Awareness Week in Minnesota.
Today’s (Thursday) topic is Indoor Air Issues.
With our homes and other buildings sealed up tight in the winter, we all can face an increased risk from carbon monoxide, radon, mold and other pollutants.
Officials say carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas that results from the incomplete burning of natural gas, oil, wood, kerosene, charcoal and other fuels. Exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide can cause flu-like symptoms. Higher levels can result in unconsciousness or death. Because of the toxic nature of carbon monoxide, it’s critical that everyone have their heating system and all fuel burning appliances adequately vented and maintained. A qualified technician should check furnaces and all fuel burning appliances annually. A U-L listed carbon monoxide detector in addition to a working smoke alarm should be used on every floor.
Other dangers due to inadequate ventilation include mold, and the cancer-causing element radon
Follow the link on this story on the KRWC web site today for more information on Winter Hazard Awareness Week from the National Weather Service.
Friday’s winter hazard topic will be winter automotive safety.
https://www.weather.gov/mpx/whaw
