New labelling rules have been announced for the safe use of unflued LPG cabinet heaters, aimed at preventing health problems in children.
The Ministry of Economic Development (MED) said it would introduce the strict labelling requirements in time for next winter, following a review of the heaters.
With around 450,000 to 500,000 cabinet heaters in New Zealand -- over 300,000 are found in about one fifth of households -- the portable heaters are the most common individual type of gas appliance used in this country.
The review confirmed there are health-related problems for children with asthma, and for that reason they were not recommended for use in homes with children with respiratory conditions.
They vent water vapour, which can stimulate mould and exacerbate asthma and the review also found the heaters pose some risk of fire and leakage and without adequate ventilation, the gases resulting from combustion of the LPG can degrade air quality around the appliance.
However, the risk could be minimised by their appropriate and safe use and the ministry ruled out banning the heaters as there were significant benefits associated with the safe use of them, particularly as a secondary heating option.
MED's Mark Wogan said the ministry would work with industry groups to develop a labelling system to inform people how to safely use the heaters.
Among the new rules, heaters must gain specific approval before they can be sold in New Zealand and they must be labelled with health and safety messages.
