Just to dispel the myth that ALL gas heaters and appliances produce carbon monoxide in tents, I thought I'd have a trawl of the net.
I found the following statement on Carbon Monoxide at the HSE website. It should give a defining answer to those worried about using Gas heating devices in tents.
Basically it says that a fully functioning gas heater should not produce dangerous amounts of CO into the air and that its only if the device is faulty it will then be at risk of poisoning you. Have a read for yourself. Its obviously meant for houses, but it may stop the myth that the heaters produce dangerous amounts of CO with normal use.
a young family member died from CO fumes due to a faulty gas heater in his boat .... 'fraid it's not something I would risk .... how do you know if your heater is faulty or not?
The type of heater used in a tent, be it the parabolic type or a catalytic, is very unlikely to produce CO as long as there's plenty of ventilation.The usual cause is insufficient air causing incomplete combustion, which is possible with a blocked intake to some heaters but unlikely with an open front heater.
Quote: Originally posted by liz9 on 09/8/2009
a young family member died from CO fumes due to a faulty gas heater in his boat .... 'fraid it's not something I would risk .... how do you know if your heater is faulty or not?
But then you could say that about any appliance if you think about it. How would someone know for example that the dampness hasnt had an adverse effect on one of their electrical items in a tent - especially as most of them arent really designed with tents in mind. It doesnt stop folks using things like table lamps, TVs, etc in tent though!
If used correctly and for the purpose in mind, then all heaters should be safe to use. If in ANY doubt that the appliance isnt then it should be checked by a professional before use. That doesnt just include the camping heaters, that includes your own heating systems at home - whats to say they arent faulty?
Carbon Monoxide detectors are a safe bet if you are worried.
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