Snow warning: Why turning the heating up could KILL – and children are especially at risk

Snow forecast in the UK is leaving more Britons at home, especially children as many schools close thanks to the conditions.

But turning the heating up in your home could cause health problems. 

Research carried out by Opinion Matters on behalf of Ecoair found that humidity in our homes in the winter often rises above optimum levels and can be harmful for our health as well as damaging our homes.

The home experts found that 79 percent of Brits have lived in a property affected by condensation, damp or mould and one in five (21 percent) of Brits are unaware of the issue of excess moisture in the home. 

This can result in mould or black mould, which have dangerous spores that can cause toxins.

The NHS said mould can cause: “Allergens (substances that can cause an allergic reaction), irritants and, sometimes, toxic substances. 

“Inhaling or touching mould spores may cause an allergic reaction, such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes and skin rash. Moulds can also cause asthma attacks.”

Turning the heating up to stay warm can cause damp, as HealthGuidance.org explains: “Do not try to quickly warm your house up by turning the thermostat on high. This is a common mistake that fails to recognise how a thermostat actually works.”

It adds: “Mould is a serious problem for anyone who has it in their home and it can have a lot of detrimental effects on our health as well as on our furniture and belongings.”

Is turning your heating on and off cheaper, or should you keep it on at all times to save money?

What are the signs of mould?

Signs of humidity include damp, mould, mildew, condensation, rotting or warped wood, or peeling paint.

Why is humidity dangerous and what are the signs?

“Airborne microorganisms thrive in humid conditions. The survival and breed rate of bacteria, viruses or dust mites for example, will escalate as soon as humidity levels rise above 60 per cent,” said Ecoair co-founder and MD, Sally Fok.

“This level of humidity is not at all uncommon in UK homes during the colder wetter winter months and the visible signs do not necessarily present themselves immediately.

“As well as risking your health, you’ll likely also end up with costly damage repair bills.”

Why is humidity particularly dangerous for children?

“Children have weaker immune systems so there is an increased chance of them catching infections.

“Bacteria and viruses thrive and spread rapidly in a humid environment, so once an infection is brought home by any member of the family, excess moisture present in the air will increase the risk of everyone else in the house becoming infected.

“A humid environment will also aggravate existing conditions such as asthma or eczema and can trigger numerous allergies. 

“So to keep children healthier and defend against winter bugs during the colder months, it is strongly advisable to check humidity levels and ensure they remain below 60 per cent.”