Unseen dangers may lurk in wintertime homes

Your home is your haven, your safe place in the world. But how safe is it really? There are myriad dangers, some in plain sight and some hidden, that we encounter in our homes every day.

During the winter months, we batten down the hatches and do everything we can to keep the warm air inside from escaping. In doing so, we keep out the chill, but are also keeping uncirculated air, toxins, mold spores, and other dangers inside with us and our families.

In the wintertime, our furnaces work overtime, keeping us warm and comfortable in a cold and uninviting world. With the seasonal rise in the use of fuel-burning appliances, such as space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces, and wood stoves, comes a higher risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide poisoning is caused by an odorless, invisible gas and can cause death as it robs your body of life-giving oxygen.

Fortunately, this threat can be eliminated by the proper maintenance of your heating system and through the use of detection equipment. Get into the habit of regularly scheduling a professional to clean and maintain your heating system. It is also important to install at least one carbon monoxide alarm on every floor. These detectors are available at hardware stores and work around the clock to warn you of unhealthful levels of carbon monoxide in your home.

Mold isn't always bad — penicillin would be a good example of one of the many ways mold has improved our lives. Out of the thousands of kinds of mold, only a few are toxic, but the presence of even nontoxic household molds can cause respiratory problems and trigger allergies and asthma attacks.

The best way to avoid mold is to avoid moisture. Keep your home as dry as possible and ventilate damp rooms like bathrooms or your basement. Mold can grow in unlikely places as well — in the soil of house plants, beneath wallpaper, or under carpeting. If your home has a high amount of humidity within it's walls, it might be wise to invest in a de-humidifier and then clean it every week to keep mold from affecting your health.

Millions of people suffer from allergies and some may not even know what's causing their symptoms. Often, household allergens are to blame. Dust mite droppings, human and pet dander are common triggers.

The best way to keep these culprits at bay is to keep you home as clean as possible and to eliminate places for dust and other particles to collect. Put bric-a-brac behind glass in a cabinet and clean fabric finishes like upholstered furniture and lamp and window shades often. Investing in a good vacuum cleaner can also be of benefit. Some of the newer models have HEPA (high-efficiency particulate) filters or a double-bag system that can help lock tiny particles away for good.

If your allergies are severe, you may want to consider replacing your wall-to-wall carpeting with hard surface flooring such as hardwood or laminate. Avoid down pillows and comforters, as dust mites thrive in that environment. And upholster furnishings in leather or vinyl — anything that can be wiped clean rather than absorbing dust and dander.

Many of the homes in and around Sandpoint are of the charming, antique variety. In these homes, lead may be the biggest danger. Though we are aware of the dangers of lead poisoning, many of us don't know how to prevent it as it can happen slowly and over the course of years. Homes built before 1950 are the most likely to include toxic levels of lead in paint and in plumbing.

Children are the most likely to suffer from high levels of lead in the home. To lessen their danger, get them in the habit of washing their hands well and often.

Use only cold water for cooking and drinking and make sure everyone gets plenty of vitamin C, zinc, calcium and phosphorus, which can reduce or even prevent lead absorption.

These tips should help make your home a safer place and keep you and your lived ones out of harm's way. I know I'm inspired to do my spring cleaning a little bit early this year!