They are looking at the perceived and claimed economics as a way to hopefully save fuel and money on the heating system built into their home. They should, however, use a safety checklist before making an investment. Shortly after the craze began in 1979, the number of people hospitalized because of kerosene heater accidents increased four times over the previous year. Keep in mind that youngsters may be more vulnerable than adults to problems inherent with unvented heaters since they are usually kept in the house during cold weather, whereas adults have an opportunity to get out into the open air. Also, the tolerance level for air-borne contaminants often is lower for children than adults.
Caution is required with elderly persons for the same reasons.
Another hazard is the reduction in air quality. One form is the lowering of the amount of oxygen in the air. Gases from kerosene, fuel oil or natural gas, if not properly vented, can cause headaches and irritate chronic respiratory ailments. Carbon monoxide is more readily attached to the hemoglobin of the blood than oxygen. Hence, carbon monoxide reduces the blood's ability to transport life-giving oxygen to the body's cells.