CPSC To Study Safety Devices For Unvented Gas Space Heaters

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today decided to further analyze two devices for shutting down unvented gas space heaters before a high level of carbon monoxide develops in the surrounding living space. This examination comprises part of the agency's effort to find a means for reducing carbon monoxide poisonings and asphyxiations from the unvented heaters.

To be studied is an oxygen depletion sensing device widely used in Europe to detect low oxygen content in the living area and to shut off the heater before a hazardous atmosphere develops. The other is a temperature limiting device that would turn off the heaters when the temperature of the living space reaches 100 degrees, with the aim of avoiding a high level of carbon monoxide production.

In February this year the Commission proposed to ban the unvented gas-fired space heaters, which have accounted for at least 73 deaths since 1973 from carbon monoxide poisoning or asphyxiation.

The Commission voted a 90-day extension from August 29, to study the devices which will provide needed time to determine whether a shut-off mechanism can help make the heaters safer. After studies are completed, CPSC will decide whether a shut-off device can be incorporated into a safety standard for the unvented heaters, making a total ban unnecessary. By November 29, the Commission must issue a final rule banning the unvented gas space heaters or withdraw its proposal to ban.

The heaters do not have an outside vent to remove combustion wastes and depend on normal room ventilation to get rid of dangerous carbon monoxide. Inadequate air flow or maladjusted burners, coupled with a normal reduction in room oxygen from burning fuel, can cause fatal levels of the gas to accumulate.

Because they are relatively inexpensive to operate, the unvented gas fired heaters are mainly used by the aged and lower income groups, primarily in the South and Southwest where central heating systems are uneconomical because cold weather is not prevalent. Banning the heaters outright could mean people would have to spend from $52 - $67 a year to replace an unvented heater fueled with LP (liquid petroleum) gas, and from $25 - $40 annually to get a substitute for an unvented heater run on natural gas.

CPSC received 280 comments on the proposed ban during a written comment period and public meetings earlier this year in Washington, D.C., Miami and Dallas. The majority opposed a ban, citing the extreme economic hardship it would pose, a possible tendency for some owners to continue using the unvented appliances beyond their useful life to avoid installing more expensive vented heaters, and possible substitution of electric heaters in homes where wiring may be inadequate to handle the heavy extra load.

Nine states now ban unvented gas space heaters: California, Connecticut, Kentucky, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Nevada and Ohio. Twenty other states and the District of Columbia have partly banned their use by prohibiting operation in nursing and convalescent homes, sanatoriums and orphanages. In addition, some of the nation's largest cities -- Baltimore, Boston, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Indianapolis, New York, Pittsburgh and San Diego -- have set full or partial bans on the heaters independently of their states.

While the Commission could vote after expiration of the extension to ban certain unvented gas-fired space heaters, to develop a mandatory safety standard or to work within a voluntary standards framework, any regulation will not affect the 7 - 10 million now believed to be in use. Because of this, CPSC wants the public to be aware of the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.

The symptoms resemble those of the flu at first, with headache, dizziness or nausea. Continued exposure to high levels can bring on collapse, unconsciousness or death. CPSC warns anyone using an unvented gas-fired space heater to keep the room well- ventilated, and at first sign of a headache, dizziness or nausea to turn off the appliance and open a window or door to see if the symptoms subside.