As temperatures drop each fall, millions of Americans pull kerosene heaters out of storage — and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns that kerosene heaters are one of the most hazardous heating options in the home. Beyond the obvious fire risk, kerosene heaters produce carbon monoxide and other combustion gases, require careful fuel handling to prevent flash fires, and pose a significant burn risk to children who come into contact with their surfaces.
The Hidden CO Hazard
Most people think of carbon monoxide primarily in connection with generators and gas appliances — but kerosene heaters produce CO during combustion. Using a kerosene heater in a poorly ventilated room allows CO to build up to dangerous levels, and CPSC warns that symptoms of CO poisoning — nausea, dizziness, and headache — can be mistaken for the flu, leading to dangerous delays in recognizing exposure. CPSC requires that any room where a kerosene heater is used have adequate ventilation from an open window or door.
The Fuel Hazard
Using the wrong fuel type in a kerosene heater is one of the most common and most dangerous mistakes. Only water-clear 1-K grade kerosene should ever be used. Gasoline must never be used in a kerosene heater under any circumstances — gasoline has a much lower flash point than kerosene and can cause a sudden flash fire when used in a kerosene heater. CPSC has issued a recent recall against Sunnyside Corporation kerosene fuel containers for lacking required flame mitigation devices.
Safety Tips
- Only use water-clear 1-K grade kerosene. Never use gasoline, camp stove fuel, or any other liquid fuel.
- Always refuel a kerosene heater outdoors, with the heater completely off and cool.
- Keep the heater at least 3 feet from anything that can burn — curtains, furniture, bedding, and clothing.
- Never leave a kerosene heater running while you sleep or leave the room.
- Ensure a window or door is cracked open whenever the heater is in use to prevent CO buildup.
- Install a working CO alarm outside every sleeping area.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, visit SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC’s Hotline at 800-638-2772.
