Kerosene controversy
Controversy over warnings about the safety of kerosene space heaters, which were felt by many to have unacceptable fire and air pollution risks, has led to improved models. New kerosene heaters have birdcage grilles to prevent burns and tipover shut-off switches to prevent fires. They are available in portable and console models. Indoor pollution tests which found significantly higher levels of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and particulates in monitored houses also found that the threshold for emission problems is 85/sup 0/F. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that even the new models be operated with open doors. Unvented gas heaters introduce the same hazards, while asbestos, formaldehyde, and other substances also represent health hazards. The author provides guidelines for buying and operating a kerosene heater.
- OSTI ID:
- 6444082
- Journal Information:
- Rodale's New Shelter; (United States), Journal Name: Rodale's New Shelter; (United States) Vol. 6:8; ISSN RNSHD
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Kerosene vs. electric portable heaters: the question of risk
Indoor air pollution from portable kerosene-fired space heaters. [Effects of wick height and fuel consumption rate]
Related Subjects
320101* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Residential Buildings-- (-1987)
AIR POLLUTION
APPLIANCES
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBON MONOXIDE
CARBON OXIDES
CHALCOGENIDES
CONSUMER GUIDES
CONSUMER PROTECTION
FIRE HAZARDS
FUELS
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
HEATERS
KEROSENE
LIQUID FUELS
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
NITROGEN OXIDES
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PARTICLES
PARTICULATES
PERFORMANCE
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
POLLUTION
SPACE HEATERS