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The Controversy Surrounding Ventless Gas Heaters

Throughout the years, controversy has been brewing on the topic of ventless gas heaters. On one side, ventless gas heater manufacturer’s claim these heaters are highly energy-efficient and safe. On the other side, scientists claim ventless gas heaters can produce toxic emissions that make occupants sick. Somewhere in the middle, architects debate as to whether ventless gas heaters degrade building structures. It’s definitely a hot topic — no pun intended!

Ventless gas heaters have been widely used in Europe for years. Those approved by Underwriters Laboratories comply with building codes in 42 out of 50 U.S. states. The problem is that ventless gas appliances emit water vapor and toxic gas emissions into the space where it is installed. These toxic gases can build up to a level that could become dangerous to the occupants.

The controversy began in 1983 when Greg Traynor, a former indoor air quality researcher at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and six other Department of Energy researchers reported that “ventless gas heaters pose a potential threat to the health of occupants in houses where such appliances are used.”

Mike Calderrera of the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Associations (GAMA) states that ventless gas heaters have built-in safety measures to guard against toxic emissions. According to Calderrera, “Every heater since 1980 has been required to have an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS). This has certainly improved safety.”

Ken Maitland, Director of Engineering for Fireplace Manufacturers Incorporated (FMI) states; “I believe as an engineer that they are safe, if designed correctly and the ODS is installed.”

Apparently that is a big “IF”. Just ask Sandy Weisner of Medford, Oregon. Back in 1996, she installed an FMI ventless gas heater and soon after developed symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Sandy took the extra protection of installing a CO alarm in her home. Each time she used her ventless gas fireplace, the alarm sounded.

Sandy’s symptoms were so pronounced that she visited her doctor. Blood tests revealed that she had levels of carbon monoxide in her blood 30 times higher than normal concentrations. She has been on a mission to warn the public about the dangers of ventless gas heaters and spends many hours lobbying to have ventless gas heaters banned.

If you are considering installing a ventless gas heater, spend time conducting research via the Internet. To get started, type in “Ventless Gas Heaters” or “Dangers of Ventless Gas Heaters” at your favorite search engine.

Only you can make the best the decision for you or your family. Take time to learn all of the facts before making your final decision. While there have been no reported fatalities caused by ventless gas heaters; there have been an abundance of reports of illness and carbon monoxide poisonings.

Rheumatism comes from the Latin word, rheum, meaning “to suffer from rheum - flow, watery discharge from the body which causes aches and pains” (source: Dictionary.com).

Rheumatoid arthritis is considered an autoimmune disease because is causes chronic (on-going) inflammation of the joints. Additionally, rheumatoid arthritis can cause the tissues that surround the joints or other body organs, to become inflamed.

Autoimmune disease is oftentimes referred to as a group of diseases which cause the immune system to attack itself. This is caused by an over-production of cytokines. Cytokines send signals to the brain, which are used to allow one cell to communicate with another.

Certain foods are known to cause an over-production of cytokines. Eliminating these cytokine-producing foods can help rheumatoid arthritis sufferers better manage their symptoms by reducing inflammation within the body.

At present, no one knows the exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis. Some scientists believe is it linked to genetics; while others claim that infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi are the root of the problem.

Recent scientific research suggests that certain infections or environmental factors trigger autoimmune disease. Scientists have reported that smoking or chewing tobacco increases the risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis.

Studies have shown that rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can be better managed through diet and exercise. Foods known to increase cytokine production and increase inflammation include:

v Most meat, except oily fish
v Dairy products (milk, ice cream, cheese)
v Egg yolks
v Gluten (found in wheat, oats, barley and rye)
v Corn, corn oil, and corn syrup
v Sugar, flour and processed foods
v Nightshade vegetables (white potatoes, tomatoes, all peppers, cherries, tobacco, and eggplants)
v Coffee and Alcohol

Changing your diet to include fresh, whole fruits and vegetables, grains, and essential fatty acids can significantly improve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Additionally, adding dietary supplements (vitamins and minerals); can further assist in reducing inflammation and pain.

Engage in gentle exercises such as yoga, tai chi, or water aerobics. It’s recommended to consult with your healthcare practitioner before engaging in a new exercise program. Ask your physician for recommendations or consult with a certified professional exercise trainer.

Although Rheumatoid Arthritis can be a chronic and oftentimes painful disease, there are many actions you can take to minimize the pain associated with this disease. In addition to obtaining information from your doctor, you can find many helpful resources via the Internet or through your local library.

Pain Relief from Arthritis

Perhaps one of the best kept secrets for pain relief from arthritis is a micro-trace mineral known as Germanium. This gift from Nature helps to oxygenate cells; increase endorphins for pain management; and offers anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties.

Germanium exists in multiple forms. The organic form (Germanium Sesquioxide or Ge-132) can be found in certain foods such as garlic, aloe, watercress, ginseng, and Tsi-Ahga mushrooms. The problem is, it is nearly impossible to consume enough of these forms to obtain therapeutic doses. Therefore, when using Germanium for pain relief from arthritis, it’s best to purchase it in capsule form.

Studies have been conducted since the 1920s on the healing properties of Germanium. One clinical trial study involved seventeen patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Each patient was treated with either Ge-132 alone or with small doses of prednisone. The results of the study showed clinical improvement of joint pain and morning stiffness in fourteen of the seventeen participants.

According to Dr. Sandra Goodman, Ph.D. and renowned Germanium expert; “The safety of organic Germanium has been well-documented, as has its health promoting effects in many diseases, including cancer and arthritis.”

Case histories and clinical trials have documented the therapeutic benefits of Germanium in treating:

v Rheumatoid Arthritis And Rheumatism
v Cancer - Colon, Prostate, Breast, Lung, Ovarian, Cervical, Leukemia
v Asthma
v Diabetes
v Mental Disorders -Depressive Psychoses, Schizophrenia
v Digestive Disorders -Gastritis, Ulcers
v Cardiac Disorders

Dr. Kazuhiko Asai of Japan is credited with being the first to synthesize and use an organic Germanium compound as a dietary supplement. Dr. Asai suffered from severe Rheumatoid Arthritis and tested the Germanium compound on his self. He reported that within ten days, his arthritis symptoms had completely disappeared.

Dr. Lester Rose, M.D. recommends Germanium Sesquioxide (Ge-132) for his patients suffering from arthritis. His protocol starts patients at 600 milligrams daily; tapering down to 150 milligrams over the course of three weeks.

If you are interested in learning more about the therapeutic benefits of Germanium, locate a copy of Dr. Asai’s book - “Miracle Cure - Organic Germanium.” It’s filled with scientific documentation and beneficial information that can help you make an informed decision.

Last, but not least, it’s important to note that Organic Germanium is somewhat expensive. Expect to pay up to $2.50 per 150-milligram capsule. Use caution when purchasing Organic Germanium. Some companies sell the inorganic form — germanium dioxide. This form should never be taken internally as it can cause kidney disease.