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 Release 22.0, Sept. 2008
 
The Medical Algorithms Project
Chapter : ch34. Environmental Health Section : Low Environmental Temperatures
  Hazards Posed By High Heating Costs for a Person with a Low or Fixed Income

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Copyright (c) 2008-2010, Institute for Algorithmic Medicine, Houston, TX, USA. All rights reserved.

Overview :

Cold weather can mean high heating bills, which may be a serious problem for a person on a low or fixed income.

 

Possible Action

Hazard

light a fire in the home

fire, burns, smoke inhalation

use a propane heater or other unsafe gas heater

carbon monoxide poisoning, fire

use an electric heater

fire from contact with element, overload of wiring, electric shock

paying heating bill rather than buying medications

worsening of comorbid conditions

paying heating bill rather than buying food

malnutrition

reducing room temperature

worsening of comorbid conditions, risk of pneumonia or other infection

losing heat entirely

frozen pipes, hypothermia

 

Steps to reduce the risk:

(1) insulate the home as much as possible

(2) seal leaks around windows and doors

(3) lower thermostat when away

(4) enroll in a budget billing program

(5) seek economic assistance

(6) close off unused rooms (must not have water pipes)

(7) dress warmly

 

  References:

 

 
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