ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, February 6, 1997 TAG: 9702060002
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: the home front
SOURCE: LINDA K. KLEINHENZ
Now that winter is upon us, it is hard to imagine opening our windows for any reason, but it just might save your life.
According to Kathy Parrott, Virginia Cooperative Extension housing specialist, household ventilation in the winter is a major concern and can contribute to hazardous air quality in the home.
"It is much harder to provide ventilation in the winter, physically and psychologically," she said. "People feel that it just doesn't make sense to open a window when it is 10 degrees outside."
But potential hazards arise if one does not properly ventilate the house when using items such as kerosene or gas heaters.
"Don't use kerosene or gas space heaters in the house without providing extra ventilation somewhere," Parrott advised.
The major problem with these heaters is not the possibility of fire, which can happen, but the possibility of poisoning by carbon monoxide, which is a lethal gas that cannot be detected by the human senses, she said.
"The best thing to do, although it may sound strange, is to slightly open a window when using a gas heater," she said.
Inadequate ventilation can also mean increased problems for allergy and asthma sufferers, she said.
"Many people think that moisture problems are summer-related, and winter air is dry, but moisture management is a winter problem, too," Parrott said.
She said this problem is intensified by cooking, showering, plants and the use of humidifiers in a sealed house, which sets up a perfect growing environment for mildew and mold.
"Dust mites and mildew grow better in moisture and once mildew, mold and dust mites are thriving, people with allergies and asthma are suffering," she said.
Parrott also recommends that people do not perform certain renovating activities in their homes in the winter and should put off major projects until spring or summer.
"Do not paint, refinish furniture or use a chemical cleaning product that is based on a solvent (such as oil-based paint) in the winter," she said. "They are highly flammable and very volatile and should never be used without a good amount of ventilation."
She said it is fine to use water-based products for regular cleaning, but to always use these items with caution and according to the manufacturer's directions.
"If regular household cleaning products are used the way they should be used, they are not toxic," she said. "Any time you deal with air quality pollutants, you have to realize that every individual reacts differently and some people are more sensitive than others."
Parrott offered a list of possible symptoms you might experience if your house is not adequately ventilated which include: irritated eyes, headaches, nausea (not explained by any other illness) and respiratory distress.
These symptoms are related to inadequate ventilation if they disappear when the person leaves the home, she said.
"The bottom line is that you must give yourself enough ventilation when you introduce pollutants into the home, especially during the winter. Whether you are using heating devices or cleaning products, you need to provide extra protection for yourself and your family's safety," she said.
Linda K. Kleinhenz, is with the Agriculture, Research and Extension Communications office at Virginia Tech.
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