CPSC Alerts Outdoor Enthusiasts: New Portable Heaters Can Save Campers'
Lives - ODS technology will help prevent CO poisoning deaths
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 18, 2002
Release # 03-021
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Scott Wolfson, (301) 504-7051
CPSC Alerts Outdoor Enthusiasts: New Portable Heaters Can Save Campers'
Lives
ODS technology will help prevent CO poisoning deaths
WASHINGTON, D.C. - As the weather turns colder and outdoor enthusiasts
plan to go deer hunting, ice fishing, or camping, the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is reminding consumers that there is a
new generation of portable heaters with a safety device that can prevent
the tragic loss of life due to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. The new
heaters are equipped with an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) and are safer
to use when camping. If oxygen levels start to fall, this sensing
technology automatically shuts down the heater before it can produce
dangerous levels of CO.
Unlike earlier portable heaters that do not have an ODS and are
intended for outdoor use only, the new ODS-equipped heaters are
specifically designed for indoor use. They can be safely used inside
tents, cabins, and campers, but it is essential that users comply with
the manufacturers' instructions to ensure that there is adequate
ventilation. CPSC still recommends shutting off any camping heater or
lantern before going to sleep.
CPSC estimates that in 1998, the latest year for which data are available, 18 people died due to carbon monoxide poisoning associated with using portable propane heaters indoors. Many of these deaths could have been prevented if the victims had been using the new heaters. These deaths often occurred when consumers brought radiant camping heaters that used 1 lb. propane tanks (but did not have an ODS) inside tents, campers, and other vehicles, thus exposing themselves to high levels of CO.
"CPSC wants all consumers to know that there is a new generation
of portable heaters that are safer to use when camping," said CPSC
Chairman Hal Stratton. "Carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent killer
that has taken the lives of many first-time and even experienced
campers. The new, safer heaters prevent CO deaths by automatically
shutting off the heater if oxygen levels start to fall."
CPSC worked closely with the American National Standards Institute
(ANSI) Camping Equipment Subcommittee and the industry to develop and
implement a new standard for 1 lb. portable heaters. The ODS technology
on these heaters senses when the oxygen level in a tent or camper drops
below 18 percent. If this occurs, the ODS closes the gas valve and
shuts off the heater, preventing the production of dangerous levels of
CO.
Consumers can find the safer heaters under various brands in major
retail stores nationwide. Consumers need to ensure that they purchase
portable heaters that meet the current standard. The new heaters can be
identified by labels on the package that read in part, "Designed for
Indoor Use," "Low Oxygen Automatic Shut-Off System," and "Oxygen
Depletion Sensor" or by a star with the words "CSA 4.98."
CO is a silent killer, so CPSC has developed the following
guidelines to prevent this colorless, odorless gas from poisoning you,
your family or friends:
New ODS-equipped heaters are intended for indoor use.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for ventilation.
Older generation heaters without an ODS are intended for outdoor use
only and must never be used indoors.
Do not use portable heaters that fail to meet the new standard in
enclosed areas such as tents, campers, and other vehicles. This is
especially important at high altitudes, where the risk of carbon
monoxide poisoning is increased.
Do not keep camping heaters and lanterns on while sleeping.
Charcoal grills, camping lanterns, and gas generators also can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. To heat an interior area while camping, only use a camping heater that meets the new safety standard.
Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headache, dizziness,
weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and confusion. Consumers who
experience any of these symptoms should extinguish any possible source
of CO and move to an area with fresh air.
Carbon monoxide reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen. Low blood oxygen levels can result in loss of consciousness and death. See a doctor if you or a member of your family develops cold or flu-like
symptoms while camping. Carbon monoxide poisoning, which can easily be
mistaken for a cold or flu, is often detected too late.
Be aware that alcohol consumption and drug use increase the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Be aware that carbon monoxide is especially toxic to people with heart disease or blood or circulatory system problems, such as
anemia. Fetuses, infants and the elderly are also more susceptible
to CO poisoning.
The surfaces of the heaters are extremely hot - always locate the
heater away from traffic and combustible materials.