The Consumer Agency and local health inspectors are concerned about the safety of snow and ice structures that have become a regular part of the winter scene in many parts of the country.

Especially in northern districts, various kinds of snow or ice structures are built during the winter months. These include working hotels built of snow, igloos, restaurants and snow castles intended as children's play areas.

Usually, these are open to the public for an entrance fee, or in some cases, for free.

Structures made of ice or snow for real public use are considered consumer services that fall under the provisions of product safety laws. As such, whoever offers such services is responsible for their safety.

Some are constructed by professionals, but some are also the work of completely amateur groups.

As construction materials, snow and ice pose some very special challenges for builders. The stability of such structures is affected not just by the properties of the snow and ice used, but also by conditions during construction, changing weather and other environmental factors.

Officials are quick to point out that very little research has been done on the use of snow and ice in construction.