Table Of Contents
Heaters And Your Health
During winter, people tend to use their heating systems quite often. In some cases, the people living in the house start coughing, getting headaches, having allergies, and are in general distress.
Are gas heaters dangerous to your health? Yes, they can impact your health in various ways. Most people are unaware that gas heaters could be the biggest culprit in making you or your family members cough.
Studies have shown that cooktops and heaters that use gas pose some health risks, including asthma and other breathing problems. Let us explore gas heaters and how they affect you or your family members, and how you can prevent this.
Health Effects Of Central Heating
When someone starts coughing, the last thing that would cross their mind is their central heating is causing the cough. During spring and summertime, dirt, pollen, and antigens gather in the ductwork. As soon as fall comes and you switch on your central heating system, this dirt is released into your house and eventually finds its way into the lungs.
Filters that have not been changed for a while are collecting all kinds of dirt. You may be inhaling mould and dirt that accumulated over time. If the gas heater is not controlled, there will be a general feeling of discomfort in your home.
Keeping Your Family Members From Getting Sick
Gas heaters can cause serious health effects if they are not serviced for a long time. Let us look at safety measures that we can take to keep our families from getting sick.
Service Your Heaters Regularly
Ideally, you will have your gas heater serviced every two years. Always use a certified gasfitter who will test for carbon monoxide leakage and have the correct job equipment. Carbon monoxide leaks are highly dangerous and can be fatal. The gasfitter should check the central heating unit, space metre, wall units, and gas log fire. Always ask the gasfitter to produce their identification. The identification will outline the jobs they are licensed to do.
If the house you live in is rented, the property owner should ensure a gas and gas heater safety check. The landlord should also give you the most current safety check in written form when required. So how do you know your gas heater requires attention? Your gas heater requires maintenance if:
- It has been two years since it was last serviced.
- The flame it produces is yellow or smoky.
- The pilot light goes off unexpectedly.
- If you notice your walls or heating panels are discoloured. This could be due to heat damage.
- Turning on the heater causes the walls to heat up, and you cannot touch the walls.
- There are ash stains near the heater.
Use Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Invest in audible carbon monoxide alarms. However, this should not replace the need to have the gas heater properly installed and regularly serviced.
It is recommended that CO alarms be placed in or close to where the gas heating system is located. Also, ensure that the gas alarm can be heard when people are in their bedrooms.
If you buy carbon monoxide alarms, go for optical and sound alarms. They will signal you when their electrochemical detecting cells run out.
Use a Humidifier During the Cold Season
During wintertime, the temperature of the air controls the amount of water vapour the air can hold. Water vapour volume rises as the temperature increases. If the temperature is cold, the air becomes dry. People are usually concerned with getting their houses warm and do not pay attention to indoor humidity levels.
You can increase the moisture level in your house using a humidifier, especially during the winter season, to prevent health problems like asthma, dry skin, irritated eyes and throat, nose bleeds, and the risk of sinus infection.
Replace Old Heaters
Gas heaters do not last a lifetime. Many heaters cannot be fixed because of safety reasons; other times, the availability of spare parts for old heaters can be a challenge.
If your gas heater has been used for at least 15 years, it would be impossible or not sensible for your certified gasfitter to fix it.
If given a chance, think of exchanging an open-flued gas heater with either room-sealed gas heaters or a split system.
Safety Precautions When Using A Gas Heater
The manufacturer’s instructions should be followed keenly when operating gas heaters. It is advisable to restrict how much you use an open-flued gas heater or consider getting another form of heating for your home.
At All Times
- Aerate the room well so that fresh air can enter and toxic fumes go out.
- Do not operate exhaust fans if your gas heater is unflued or open-flued in the kitchen and bathroom. This may cause CO leakage. Always check if there is leakage when the gas heater is serviced.
- When you switch off the heater, and it has cooled off, clean it up. This reduces the dust collected. You can also vacuum the vents that control airflow.
- Do not allow kids to touch hot areas – the standard dress guard simply shields from unintended apparel contact.
- If you choose to dry your clothes inside, do not let any flammable material near the heater.
At No Time
- Should you leave a gas heater running overnight.
- Using unflued gas heaters in bathrooms, bedrooms, or caravans as poisonous fumes can bring about severe health issues in unventilated conditions.
- Should you keep cleaners, sprays, or pressure pack cans close to a gas heater— it does not matter if the heater is off. The pilot light might still be on.
- Should you throw rubbish, e.g., tissue paper, cotton swabs, etc., into a gas fire. This can affect the flame, and these materials can emit hazardous air pollutants.
- Should you ever use outdoor gadgets indoors, such as grills, patio heaters, etc.
Extra Safety Information
- You should always use the patio heater outdoors. Ensure that it is steady and secure.
- Gas cylinders should not only be used outdoors but also stored outdoors.
- Do not use an industrial-type heater in a home setting.
- Do not use a cabinet heater. It is fuelled by an LPG gas bottle that is already in the heater.
Obsolete Unflued Gas Heaters
If you have an obsolete unflued gas heater in your house, it may not meet the present-day transmission standards. Unflued gas heaters take in air that is inside the room and produce flame and smoke. The flame goes back into the location the heater is placed. This can cause health issues or even cause death.
If you are using an unflued gas heater, ensure proper ventilation as this lets fresh air-fuel the burner and release the flame and smoke. If your unflued heater is ten plus years, you should replace it; otherwise, it will affect your health and that of your household.
When unflued gas heaters are burning, they emit pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, which can harm your health.
Additionally, these ventless heaters create moisture that encourages the growth of mould and dust mites, and these can affect your health.
What decides the amount of pollutants produced?
- The type of heater
- How the heater was set up
- Your heater usage
- How frequently you service your heater
The air contaminants in the room will be influenced by:
- How the heater is used
- The dimensions of the area being heated
- How efficiently air flows in and out of the area
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
When someone inhales carbon monoxide fumes, they may suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning, which can cause death. Carbon monoxide is produced when fuel burns. Sources of carbon monoxide include burning:
- Wood
- Gasoline
- Coal
- Natural gas
- Kerosene
Once this gas reaches the blood, it stops the body from using oxygen well. This can affect the brain, heart, lungs, and other vital organs. People with pre-existing conditions of the heart and lungs are at a greater risk of being harmed. Babies, kids, pregnant women, and older adults are also at risk.
A person suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning will experience the following common symptoms:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rapid heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Seizures
- Chest pain
- Cardiac arrest
- Loss of hearing
- Blurry vision
- Disorientation
- Loss of consciousness or coma
- Respiratory failure
- Death
Since these symptoms are similar to flu or food poisoning, always consult a doctor for the correct diagnosis.
Contact A Professional If You Suspect Any Faults
If you suspect your indoor heater isn’t safe or is faulty, the first thing to do is switch it off. Thoroughly ventilate the room by opening doors and windows. Leave the room and ensure no one enters until it is deemed safe. Consult a medical practitioner immediately.
To avoid these life-threatening problems, always work with a professional when it comes to using and servicing your gas heaters. They will give you pointers on preventing gas heaters from making you cough.
