What Are the Dangers of Kerosene Heaters?

Kerosene heaters are getting a lot of attention as an economical way to heat a house. Kerosene heaters are portable heaters and any portable heater poses dangers. You need to be aware of exactly what you could be getting you and your family into. Kerosene heaters should not be confused with kerosene furnaces. They are two completely different things.

Fire

Kerosene heaters should be put on a fireproof surface such as fireproof tile. The surface should be larger and the base of the heater so that any sparks will land on it and not on the floor. Kerosene heaters should also be away from anything in the room. Fire can also be caused by knocking over the heater or not filling the heater properly.

Asphyxiation

Kerosene heaters should not be used in small spaces, or anywhere there is no adequate ventilation. Kerosene heaters will eat up the oxygen very quickly. When this happens, the fuel will not burn correctly and this produces carbon monoxide. This is one reason why it is important to not run a kerosene heater when you are asleep.

Pollution

Kerosene heaters can pollute the room with carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide. All of these elements are a health risk to everyone, but are especially dangerous to pregnant women, asthma sufferers, heart patients, the elderly and young children.

Odor

The odor from a kerosene can make a person sick. The modern kerosene heaters do not have as bad an odor problem as the older ones, but you can still detect the smell when you first enter the room, when the heater is turned on or off or when it runs out of fuel.

Fuels

Kerosene heaters can explode if you use the wrong kind of fuel. Gasoline or the fuel for a camp stove will cause the explosion. There are different grades of kerosene and the heaters should only use 1-K. Other grades will make the indoor pollution levels even higher and the odor will be much more noticeable.

Precautions

Only buy a kerosene heater that is UL listed, meaning that the heater has past all the safety tests. Follow the manufacturer's directions to the letter. There are different types of kerosene heaters and what works with one will not work with the other. Never fill the heater inside the home. Take it outside and do not overfill. There is a protective cage available that will keep children and pets away from the heater and it is a wise investment.

Resources

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