Safety Hazards
Because kerosene heaters are usually unvented, all combustion products are released into the indoor air. Among these are low levels of nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide. An improperly adjusted, fueled, or poorly maintained kerosene heater will release more pollutants, particularly through incomplete combustion. Use of a kerosene heater in a poorly ventilated home, especially in those that are modernly well insulated, could pose a health risk. Most manufacturers suggest that a window or door be left cracked open. Kerosene heaters should not be left unattended, especially when sleeping. A kerosene heater, as any heater that uses organic fuel, when running out of oxygen can produce massive amounts of soot and carbon monoxide. Failure to follow these precautions could result in asphyxiation or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Hot surfaces on the heater pose a fire and burn risk. The open flame poses an explosion risk in environments where flammable vapors may be present, such as in a garage. Use of improper or contaminated fuel could cause poor performance, a fire or an explosion. There are the usual risks involved with the storage of kerosene and when refilling the heater.
Always use clear 1-K Kerosene. Use of impure fuel can cause extra soot. A risk of explosion is present with even trace amounts of gasoline mixed in the fuel, which is why it is illegal in many jurisdictions to dispense gasoline into unauthorized containers such as kerosene jugs; be sure to store in a container that has not been used with gasoline.
Read more about this topic: Kerosene Heater
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