Portable Kerosene Heater Fumes

Are they dangerous if the heater is used in a space with no ventilation? If so, why?

 

Carbon monoxide is poisonous. Which kerosene heaters put off. So yes it is dangerous. It can kill you if your in a non ventilated space.

 

It also uses oxygen as it burns, so you are gradually decreasing the amount of oxygen in the room, and increasing the amount of carbon monoxide.

 

But it said in the owners manual if it put off carbon monoxide then the unit isnt functioning properly? i thought?

 

Ohh, is it a fully enclosed convention unit?

 

If your burning kerosene and it's not in a sealed burner or compartment it's putting off gas or (fumes) which are carbon monoxide. Maybe you misread

 

Beat me to it.

 

I've heard of the fully enclosed ones that use convection to heat the air around them, and they don't actually vent anything to the atmosphere, and the unit somehow oxygenates the flames without using up the oxygen in the room. I'm not sure of the science behind it.

 

But if it ever leaks, you're dead.

 

But are they burning kerosine? If they are there has to be CO being put off. Am I wrong?

 

Here an article about them, I'm too lazy to read all of it
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerosene_heater

 

Here it is

http://www.lowes.com/pd_13644-88644...&currentURL=/pl__0__s?Ntt=kerosene&facetInfo=

 

That one says indoors with ventilation only so it may not be the same as the one I posted above

 

Yeah just open a door periodically to exchange some fresh air. CO binds to the hemoglobin in blood thousands of times more readily than O2 so yes it can eventually render you unconscious and then doa. If you start having headache or lightheadedness or blurred vision, confusion gtfo and get to fresh air. I've used one for years with no problems.

 

I wouldn't trust those things. IMO. unless awake and in a ventilated space. NEVER sleeping. This was in the safety section. So they still present a risk. (if unatended or sleeping)


Because kerosene heaters are usually unvented, all combustion products are released into the indoor air. Among these are low levels of nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide.[4] An improperly adjusted, fueled, or poorly maintained kerosene heater will release more pollutants, particularly through incomplete combustion. Use of a kerosene heater in a poorly ventilated home, especially in modern well insulated ones, could pose a health risk. Most manufacturers suggest that a window be left cracked open. Kerosene heaters should not be left unattended, especially while sleeping. A kerosene heater, as any heater that uses organic fuel, when running out of oxygen can produce massive amounts of soot and carbon monoxide.[5] Failure to abide by these precautions could result in asphyxiation or carbon monoxide poisoning.

 

Same kind I use. Just crack a bay door a bit or open a window part way. You can fire that thing up and aim it in the direction of your work area from 20-30 feet away and it works great. Loud as hell...

 

I only use in detached shop. Wouldn't use it in home...hell no.

 

You'll have a great sleep

 

basic science education

 

wife has been wanting me to get one in case this coming storm knocks out our power. You guys have verified what my concerns are. I don't think i will get one.