The 5 signs your home could be killing you this winter

WINTER is a wonderful time to get snuggly and comfortable in your home, with cold weather outside making staying in and enjoying warmth and cosiness particularly appealing.

But there are several hidden, and perhaps not obvious, hazards in your home that could pose a serious risk of your health and life.

Cuddling up to a radiator, warming up in front of an open fire, and heating up your bed before getting in it with an electric blanket are some of the simple pleasures to be enjoyed during the winter time.

However, if they’re not used correctly and maintained properly they could lead to nasty rashes, respiratory problems, and, in some cases, even death.

In the UK, an estimated 4,950 excess winter deaths were caused by living in cold homes during the winter of 2022/2023.

But keeping your home warm during the colder months can come at a price – not just relating to your energy bill.

Described as a ‘silent killer because it has no colour or smell, one of the biggest health threats during the winter months is carbon monoxide.

Any appliance that burns fuel, like gas stoves, boilers, fireplaces, log burners, or even BBQs used indoors, can leak this dangerous gas if it’s not working correctly.

Faulty heating systems, blocked chimneys, or lack of proper ventilation are major culprits. 

The latest ONS data recorded 28 accidental carbon monoxide poisoning deaths in England and Wales in 2023.

There are also 200 non-fatal poisonings, on average, needing hospital admission each year, according to GOV Wales.

Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor, listed early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning as:

She added: “Some people describe flu-like symptoms without a fever.

“As levels rise, more serious signs can occur.”

Carbon monoxide can be fatal, and even low-level exposure over time can trigger symptoms.

Dr Chun Tang, a GP at Pall Mall Medical, advised: “Suspect carbon monoxide, especially if more than one person is affected.

“Seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden confusion, are very sleepy, or have chest pain, especially if you suspect a gas leak or faulty heater.”

Brenig Moore, technical director and health and safety expert at Astutis, says if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning in your home, to call 999 as soon as you’re outside.

He said: “They’ll ask for your symptoms, so remember to tell them everything that you’re experiencing.

“They may bring some equipment with them to measure the CO levels indoors, to assess whether it’s safe or not.

“Many people don’t want to ‘waste emergency time’, but this is life or death, and it’s better to get checked out than not.”

But they’re not the only health risks to be looking out for this winter…

Sharon Balachandra, pharmacist at Roseway Labs, says: “Keeping your home warm is important for comfort and wellbeing, especially in colder months, when a properly heated space helps prevent damp, condensation and even cold-related illnesses.

“In most homes using your heating isn’t dangerous, provided your system is well maintained and the space is ventilated.

“However, certain issues like very dry air, poorly serviced fuel-burning heaters, or blocked vents can sometimes lead to discomfort or, rarely, health concerns.

“Understanding these potential effects and knowing how to prevent them can help you stay warm and healthy all winter.”

BLACK MOULD

Black mould isn’t just unsightly, it can make you quite ill, especially if you have allergies, asthma, or a weakened immune system.

It’s a common problem in homes during the winter due to increased condensation from a combination of cold weather and reduced ventilation.

Moisture in warm indoor air condenses on cold surfaces like windows, walls and ceilings, creating ideal conditions for mould growth.

Breathing in the tiny spores black mould produces can lead to a variety of symptoms, warned Dr Wylie.

She said: “Common complaints include coughing, sneezing, nasal congestion, sore throat, and itchy or watery eyes.

“Some people may also experience skin irritation or a worsening of existing eczema.”

Dr Tang said if exposure goes on for a while or in high amounts, some people can develop more serious symptoms like fever, headaches, trouble concentrating, or joint pain.

For people with asthma, mould can even trigger attacks, and rare but serious lung infections can occur in the vulnerable.​ 

Dr Tang added: “If you’re feeling run down, coughing a lot, wheezing, or notice symptoms that seem worse at home and get better when you go out, that’s your clue mould might be the culprit.

“Pay special attention to ongoing congestion, skin rashes, or new breathing difficulties.

“If you start coughing up blood, have a fever, or experience severe breathing trouble, please don’t wait, see your GP, mention the mould, and let them check you over.​”

Addressing the underlying dampness in your home is essential to prevent recurrence of mould, said Balachandra.

She said: “To prevent mould recurrence, ensure adequate cross-vent ventilation (opening windows often, especially after showering or cooking), use extractor fans, and keep furniture slightly away from external walls to allow air circulation.”

HEATING

Heating your home is, of course, essential, but if you’re not careful, it can bring on health troubles.

Central heating dries out the air, which can leave your skin, eyes, and throat feeling dry and irritated.

Dr Wylie explained: “This dryness can lead to irritated skin, dry eyes, sore throats, and worsening of conditions such as eczema.

“People may also experience nasal dryness or minor nosebleeds.

“If the heating system to not well-maintained, due and allergens circulating in the air can aggravate respiratory symptoms and allergies.”

While the effects of dry air are usually mild and reversible, said Dr Wylie, poorly maintained heating systems can pose more serious risks.

She added: “Dust and mould accumulation in vents and filters can worsen asthma or lead to respiratory infections.”

Dr Tang said you should look out for dry skin, sore throats, headaches, or trouble breathing that seems linked to having the heating on.

He added: “If you notice yourself feeling consistently unwell and can’t link it to anything else, a chat with your GP is wise.

“If there’s ever a whiff of gas or you feel dizzy, nauseous, get chest pain, or confusion, get out and call for help right away, as that could be a sign of something dangerous like carbon monoxide.”

To prevent excessive dryness, you could add a simple preventative measure, said Balachandra.

She advised: “You could add a simple preventative measure – using a humidifier or placing shallow trays of water near radiators can help maintain adequate indoor humidity levels (ideally between 40-60 per cent, though this may change depending on the time of year) and combat the drying effects of central heating.

“Air purifiers can help reduce dust, pollen and pet dander, improving comfort for people with allergies, asthma or respiratory sensitivities.

“They’re especially useful in winter when indoor air circulates more and windows stay closed.”

LOG BURNERS

A log burner gives a cosy, lovely warmth, but it does have its pitfalls.

Log burners can emit smoke and fine particulate matter that irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, warns Dr Wylie.

She said: “People may experience coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath, particularly if the room is not well ventilated.

“Those with asthma, COPD, or other respiratory illnesses often find their symptoms worsen when exposed to wood smoke.”

And long-term exposure to indoor smoke from log burners can contribute to chronic respiratory disease and cardiovascular problems.

Dr Wylie explained: “Fine particles in the smoke can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, leading to inflammation and potentially increasing the risk of heart attacks or strokes over time.

“In poorly ventilated spaces, there is also a small risk of carbon monoxide build-up.”

Dr Tang advised if you’re noticing a persistent cough, wheezing, or sore throats after using a log burner, or you suddenly develop shortness of breath or headaches, that’s a sign it’s affecting your health.

He added: “Anyone with a history of lung disease or who’s especially vulnerable should be extra alert. If symptoms are severe, persistent, involve difficulty breathing or chest pain, please see your GP right away.”

ELECTRIC BLANKETS

Electric blankets are great for chilly nights but do carry some risks.

Overheating and burns are possible, especially if the blanket malfunctions or is very old, warned Dr Tang.

He explained: “There’s a small fire risk with damaged or misused blankets, and some concern about long-term exposure to the low levels of electromagnetic fields they produce, though this hasn’t been strongly linked to disease in people. They can also dry out your skin or disrupt sleep if used all night.​”

Look out for symptoms like skin irritation, dryness, burns, or general discomfort while using the blanket.

And if you have numbness or conditions like diabetes or poor circulation, we wary you could burn yourself without realising.

Dr Tang added: “See a doctor if you develop unexplained skin burns, persistent sleep problems, or have any safety worries with the blanket’s function.

“Turn off or unplug the blanket if you suspect anything is wrong and always check with your doctor if you fall into a higher-risk group like pregnancy, the elderly, or if you have health conditions.​ 

“If you have any ongoing symptoms or safety concerns about your home environment, get in touch with your doctor. 

“Better safe than sorry, your health and comfort come first”