CPSC Alerts Outdoor Enthusiasts: New Portable Heaters Can Save Campers' Lives - ODS technology will help prevent CO poisoning deaths
Press Release #02-179
Transcript
TEXT: New Portable Heaters with ODS Technology
(Various views of ODS technology heaters and parts. View of a campsite where a man is carrying a heater inside a tent).
TEXT: Older camping heaters and other heating elements such as lanterns and cooking devices should not be used indoors
(Various views of older outdoor heaters. Various views of outdoor heaters and cooking devices next to a camping tent. Views of heater in CPSC testing chamber and a carbon monoxide graph on a computer).
CPSC Mechanical Engineer speaks, "This is a graph illustrating how the carbon monoxide in the chamber varies with time, you can see the carbon monoxide increases with time as the oxygen is depleted, and when it achieves one hundred parts per million, it is in violation of the standard".
TEXT: New heaters shut off automatically if oxygen levels start to fall.
(View of heater turned on in testing chamber. Various views of heating element and lab computer graphs of carbon monoxide levels. Various veiws of man using heater inside a tent).
TEXT: Always turn off heaters or lanterns before falling asleep.
(View of a man turning on heater and lying down next to it to go to sleep inside a tent).
TEXT: Consumers should look for labels that say "Designed For Indoor Use" "Low Oxygen Automatic Shut Off System" and "Oxygen Depletion System" or a star with the words "CSA 4.98"
(Views of Heater Instructions/Labels).
TEXT: 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.
- Do not attempt to use alternative sources of heat or power to warm a tent or camper. 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.
End.