Space Heaters and Allergies

According to Community Action to Fight Asthma (CAFA), adults and children spend up to 90 percent of their time within a home. During this time, they may be exposed to environmental triggers (such as nitrogen oxide from space heaters) that lead to lung irritation, possible allergies and asthma.

Significance

• Nitrogen dioxide is a byproduct produced by space heaters, furnaces and fireplaces. Nitrogen dioxide is an odorless gas that causes eye, nose and throat irritation, as well as shortness of breath.

Facts

• CAFA states that nitrogen dioxide emitted from space heaters can increase allergic sensitization and trigger asthma attacks. Long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide can lead to chronic bronchitis complications.

Considerations

• Older styles of space heaters can produce increased levels of unsafe nitrogen dioxide emissions. Consider replacing old heaters to reduce potential allergic reactions.

Prevention/Solution

• If you have a space heater, you can prevent the heater from triggering allergy symptoms. Avoid sleeping in a room with the heater running, open a window to increase the room ventilation, and operate the heater only for brief periods of time.

Warning

• People with asthma exposed to nitrogen dioxide from space heaters may experience increased bronchial spasm activity. According to CAFA, exposure may also increase a child's susceptibility to respiratory infections.