Just Waking

I went to bed early, hoping I might sleep through the night and wake in the morning because it is going to be in the low 40s (temperature) tonight and Eb is using an dangerously set-up unvented open-flame propane heater and I fear dying in my sleep as so many stupid people do each year. Lat's take a look at some facts and statistics. Of course the people trying to sell you the gas will state otherwise. The question is not how many people die, the question is "do you want to take the chance that you will be one of them?"

Whatever we believe to be truth, everyone agrees to this:

"Always have carbon monoxide detectors (both regular-level detectors and low-level detectors) and natural gas or propane detectors in your home/trailer/RV/boat. in all the areas that are appropriate and keep them maintained by changing batteries every six months. "

And sensible (non-stupid) people adhere to this:

"Unvented combustion units are not recommended for use inside your home, because they introduce unwanted combustion products into the living space—including nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and water vapor—and deplete air in the space. Most states have banned unvented kerosene heaters for use in the home and at least five have banned the use of unvented natural gas heaters."

You may not trust the government, but I am a government Safety Officer and I rely on science to determine safety. There is corruption, to be sure, which is why safety hazards and deaths are still allowed in spite of knowledge of the risks. Businesses do not want regulations because they want profits. Still, there are safety standards based on unbiased science and the Consumer Product Safety Commission concludes:

"None of the eight heaters tested were certified to ANSI Z21.63 (2000)."
I'll not be sleeping here tonight.

Narf :}