Low dose chronic carbon monoxide poisoning is just one of the problems one may want to contemplate before installing one of these units in their basements. This is an area of study that has not been thoroughly investigated in the literature but has recently become of more interest in the medical community with a recent increase in the numbers of reported incidences and the increase in the number of home carbon monoxide detectors.
Does anyone appreciate the fact that most dispensers of propane tanks require that they be stored at an outside storage unit and why people are advised not to store their propane tanks in either their garages or homes? Electricity currently is clean in the sense that it is easy and safe for consumers especially in comparison to this alternative of installing gas lines, installing and using methane or propane tanks in ones home, and requiring a close carbon monoxide monitoring system. (e.g. Nighthawk carbon monoxide detectors, etc.) Do not underestimate the hazards of carbon monoxide poisoning and the necessity of CO monitoring in the home.
Headaches are just a small portion of the complications of CO intoxication, others include, but not restricted to, are dizziness, nausea, disorientation, memory impairment, and psychosis. Yes, psychosis. Of course there are more serious complications, including death. Maybe we can include a free Methemoglobin test kit for all new users of this technology. (I believe that is the test for CO intoxication, I can't remember for sure at the moment)
I'm sure they have thought about all this. It's I suppose just like installing another gas furnace in your home, there is a way to make it safe, but it is not without some increase risk. (and expense which I assume has already been factored into the price of the initial unit)
Gas furnaces represent almost virtually the vast majority of the northern United States as the source of heat in homes, so I suppose gas utilized for a source of energy can't be eliminated as a possible / plausible alternative at some point in time.
Just a little food for thought. |
