Most heaters in light aircraft work by air flowing over the manifold. Use of these heaters while exhaust fumes are escaping through manifold cracks and seals is responsible every year for several nonfatal and fatal aircraft accidents from carbon monoxide poisoning. A pilot who detects the odor of exhaust or experiences symptoms of headache, drowsiness, or dizziness while using the heater should suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, and immediately shut off the heater and open air vents. If symptoms are severe or continue after landing, medical treatment should be sought. Carbon Monoxide is a lethal gas produced in normal amounts whenever you use an appliance which burns a combustible fuel.
Combustible fuels can include gas, oil, kerosene, charcoal and wood.
When proper ventilation of appliances becomes blocked, carbon monoxide concentrations build up inside your home and become deadly. Carbon monoxide quickly replaces vital oxygen in the blood which results in suffocation from the inside out. Because carbon monoxide is invisible, tasteless and odorless, its victims may never know there is something wrong until it is too late. If often takes the lives of whole families. Children and the elderly are the first to be overcome along with pets.