New camping heaters safer, officials say

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Hoping to reduce the number of accidental deaths, the nation's primary consumer safety agency is highlighting the fact that new portable heaters for camping are on the market with a device designed to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

The heaters, equipped with oxygen depletion sensors (ODS), are safer to use than earlier models, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The ODS automatically shuts the heater off before dangerous levels of carbon monoxide are produced.

In 1998, the latest year for which statistics are available, 18 people died from carbon monoxide poisoning from camping heaters. The victims were all using radiant camping heaters that used 1 lb. propane tanks.

"CPSC wants all consumers to know that there is a new generation of portable heaters that are safer to use when camping," said Jacqueline Elder, acting director of the commission's Office of Hazard Identification and Reduction. "Carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent killer that has taken the lives of many first-time and even experienced campers."

The commission, along with the camping subcommittee of the American National Standards Institute, developed the new heater standard. The new technology senses when the oxygen level of a tent or camper drops below 18 percent and the ODS closes the gas valve, preventing the production of deadly levels of carbon monoxide.

The new technology allows these heaters to be safely used indoors, including inside tents, cabins and campers. The CPSC still recommends the heaters be turned off before campers go to sleep.

The new heaters can be found at major retail stores across the country. Consumers can identify the new heaters by looking for labeling that says "Designed for Indoor use," "Low Oxygen Automatic Shut-Off System," and "Oxygen Depletion Sensor" or by a star with the label "CSA 4.98."