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Kerosene Heater Safety
Suggested Usage Practices
December 20, 2008
Written By: MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Questions and Answers
#1 How safe are the new unvented portable kerosene heaters?
That depends upon who you talk to. Some public health and safety officials take a cautious view of these types of heaters. Some manufacturers and dealers, however, do not. But it is a fact that these types of heaters can be a potential fire hazard and that the pollutants these heaters produce may represent a significant health hazard.
For these reasons, some communities and some states have banned the use of these types of heaters in homes. Would-be buyers of unvented, portable kerosene heaters should check with building authorities and/or fire officials and insurance representatives first.
If this type of heater is purchased, be sure to follow the manufacturer's exact directions for operation.
#2 What are some of the hazards of using unvented, portable kerosene heaters?
This type of heater increases the potential of a home fire loss if it is placed too close to combustibles such as paper, curtains, and other readily flammable household material; or if used carelessly increases the potential for personal burns. Tests by Consumer Reports (Oct. 1982 issue) show that during normal operation, these types of heaters can develop surface temperatures from 320° F to more than 500° F. Obviously, keep small children well away from the heater. Kerosene heaters also produce carbon monoxide (a poisonous gas), nitrogen dioxide (which may cause throat and lung irritation), and sulfur dioxide (which can impair breathing).
#3 Are there portable, unvented kerosene heaters on the market that do not produce these gases?
No. Any heating system that burns fuel, and does not have a chimney, will give off some gases into the room or area where it operates.
#4 Is there an accumulative "indoor pollution hazard" from use of several unvented appliances?
It would appear so, especially in a "weatherized" home or a unventilated room.
Following tests of 18 types of portable, unvented heaters, Consumer Reports states that: "We calculated the concentration of four gases produced by these heaters --- carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulphur dioxide --- in a 10x12x8-foot room with normal ventilation. The levels of each gas were high enough to be a serious health hazard to high-risk groups, including pregnant women, asthmatics, people with cardiovascular disease, children, and the elderly. The levels we calculated for some pollutants may pose risks for healthy people."
Hazard from indoor pollution is highest on calm days when an unvented heater is used along with an unvented gas range, gas refrigerator and a gas clothes dryer; along with a vented water heater and furnace. Only heating units connected to chimneys exhaust products of combustion safely to the outside of the home.
#5 Of the gases that are produced by a portable, unvented heater, which is potentially the most lethal?
Carbon monoxide. It is toxic because it interferes with the blood's ability to carry oxygen to the cells of the body. It may reach toxic levels in the blood stream within minutes or several hours. Carbon monoxide may be a particular threat to persons with heart ailments.
Early carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms include dizziness, headache, weakness, drowsiness and/or nausea. Some people could experience impaired judgement and irritability.
#6 Why is carbon monoxide so deadly?
Carbon monoxide replaces oxygen in the blood until suffocation occurs. Carbon monoxide mixes with your blood 210 times quicker than oxygen, so even getting fresh air after poisoning symptoms begin may not help and suffocation can still occur. It takes from 10 to 24 hours to rid the blood of excessive carbon monoxide.
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