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Cleveland, OH --- Whether
hiking, biking, hunting or fishing, every outdoors-person wants to keep
warm at night, and campers need to know about the potential dangers of
using a portable propane heater or camp stove in an unventilated
enclosure.
Camp stoves and portable
heaters that are designed to be used outside can emit hazardous carbon
monoxide (CO) if improperly used inside a tent, truck cap, RV or camper.
Every camper should read the manufacturer’s operating
instructions and packaging before operating any portable propane product,
according to Dennis Pavan, Spokesman for the Coalition for Portable
Propane Product Safety. (Visit www.propaneproducts.org)
“Campers who are
particularly vulnerable are those who attempt to use these devices
overnight while sleeping,” says Pavan.
“Therefore, they are unable to recognize the early symptoms of
carbon monoxide poisoning – which can easily be mistaken for a cold or
flu.”
Symptoms of carbon monoxide
poisoning include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, sleepiness and
confusion. Carbon monoxide
reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen.
Low oxygen levels in the blood can result in the loss of
consciousness and death.
“Alcohol consumption and
drug use also increase the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning,” says
Pavan.
Rather than relying on
fuel-burning appliances to supply overnight heat, the Coalition urges
campers to wear adequate clothing, use a thermally rated sleeping bag, and
to consume extra calories and fluids to help keep warm at night.
The Coalition sponsors the
“Camp Safe” Education Program, dedicated to making consumers aware of
the dangers of using fuel-burning products inside.
There are certain heaters available that are designed specifically
for temporary use inside recreational enclosures.
But no matter what kind of heater, the Coalition recommends NOT
using a portable propane product overnight while sleeping.
The Coalition offers a free
safety brochure that includes propane product descriptions of outdoor
heaters, stoves, lanterns, cylinders and indoor-safe heaters, as well as
carbon monoxide safety information and a CO warning poster.
Larger quantities are available for campgrounds, RV dealers,
retailers, fire departments, neighborhood organizations and schools.
To order, contact the Coalition at 888-226-7487, visit www.propaneproducts.org
or write to P. O. Box 45002, Cleveland, OH 44145.
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