Effect on Carbon Monoxide Levels in Mobile Homes Using Unvented Kerosene Heaters for Residential Heating

Abstract

Carbon monoxide (CO) emission levels were continuously monitored in 8 mobile trailer homes less than 10 years old. These homes were monitored in a US Environmental Protection Agency study assessing the effects of unvented kerosene heaters on indoor air quality. Respondents were asked to operate their heaters in a normal fashion. CO, air exchange rates and temperatures were measured during the study in each home. Results indicated that these small homes (<100 m2 internal space), having low air exchange rates/h ( < 0.5), showed elevated indoor CO levels during heater use. Three of the 8 homes in the study had 8-hour averages above or near the 9-ppm US standard for exposure. Seven of the homes were found to have a significant increase of CO during combustion periods as compared with background levels; one home routinely had levels of 30-50 ppm for prolonged exposures. These results may indicate that consumers using unvented kerosene heaters are being unknowingly exposed to high CO levels and thus not taking proper pre cautions.

Keywords

Carbon monoxide Unvented kerosene heaters Mobile homes

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