All portable heaters are not created equal. That’s a good rule for outdoors persons to remember when attempting to warm up during cold winter days afield.

Operating a heater designed for outdoor use in an unventilated blind, tent or cabin can result in death caused by carbon monoxide poisoning.

Each year Americans die from using radiant heaters, camp stoves, lamps and lanterns fueled by propane, butane, kerosene and other petroleum fuels and other gases, in enclosed areas. The appliances use oxygen and emit carbon monoxide.

So, not only do they reduce the amount of oxygen available for you to breath, they also poison the air.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, toxic gas. Upon entering your body, it reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. Initial symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness and confusion.

Low blood oxygen levels caused by carbon monoxide also can result in loss of consciousness and death.