CPSC In Joint Release Urges Consumer Caution In Combating Cold

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in a joint announcement with the National Fire Prevention and Control Administration (NFPCA) and the National Fire Research Center at the National Bureau of Standards today appealed to consumers to exercise extreme caution if they find a need to use supplements to their regular home heating systems.

CPSC Chairman S. John Byington said, 'We are acutely aware that the continuing cold wave will be forcing many consumers to supplement their normal heating systems. Our concern is that consumers be aware of potential hazards associated with some of the alternative methods of heating homes." Both Howard D. Tipton, NFPCA Administrator and Dr. John Lyons, Director of the Fire Research Center, supported Byington's statement.

The three agencies specifically warned against using gas ranges or ovens for heating rooms. Any unvented fuel-burning appliance is capable of producing potentially deadly levels of carbon monoxide.

According to CPSC, the following suggestions for the safe use of space heaters and heating stoves may be helpful:

1. Use the proper fuel for each device;

2. Keep at least three feet clearance in all directions around space heaters or stoves;

3. Use a screen around stoves or space heaters which have open flames;

4. Avoid using space heaters in bathrooms and certainly do not touch one when wet;

5. Keep young children away from space heaters particularly when they are wearing nightgowns which can be sucked in by a draft created by the heater and ignited.

The agencies also cautioned consumers against using excessive amounts of paper to build roaring fires in fireplaces. It is possible to ignite the soot in the chimney by overbuilding the fire. Consumers with fireplaces should never remove the screen in front of the fireplace in an effort to get more heat, nor should they burn charcoal indoors as an alternative source of fuel. Charcoal gives off deadly amounts of carbon monoxide.

Mild cases of carbon monoxide poisoning produce sleepiness, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, irritability, and an inability to concentrate. More severe cases cause nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, convulsions, unconsciousness and death. The best first aid for carbon monoxide poisoning is lots of fresh air followed immediately by a visit to a doctor.

Additional information on the potential dangers of products which might be used to supplement home heating systems, as well as suggestions for their safe use and maintenance, can be obtained by calling CPSC's toll-free safety Hotline at 800/638-2772.