Catalytic heaters work well because they burn the fuel almost completely like 99%.
It's un-burned hydrocarbon fuels that create CO.
BUT, any high efficient heater used in a confined space can become dangerous if they begin to use up the available Oxygen in the area.
Combustion requires Oxygen for a full burn,, if the O2 isn't available,, then the burn isn't complete and CO is being made.
The depletion of O2 and creation of CO in a confined space by any hydrocarbon fuel heater is not a linear curve. As O2% is lowered the more CO is created,, CO can spike rapidly.
Modern propane heaters have Oxygen Depletion sensors that shut the burn off.
Proper care and maintenance of any heater is part of the game. Are all people capable of that? No.
If you have one of those old Coleman fuel burning "dome" type heaters then I can tell you NO don't use it in a confined space. The catalytic dome get's dirty real easy and pretty fast, they do not burn clean. I can say that from my personal experience ice fishing. Sitting inside a 4x6 shack with 2 men and one of those domes for as little as 3-4hrs and the CO will start to get ya.
As and aside;
If you step outside for whatever and come back in, If you can smell the fuel being used,, your not getting a complete burn no matter what fuel your using.
So a couple folks ice fishing for the day or evening isn't bad because your in/out of the shack several times.
The deaths happen when folks decide to take a nap or layout in bunks overnight,, like overnight camping.
:redface: :redface:
