BOWIN
is aware of the recent publicity surrounding warnings
by some health professionals, including recent media stories.
Therefore, this information page has been provided to
clarify BOWIN's position.
WHAT
IS ALL THE FUSS ABOUT?
The
TV program, Today Tonight, depicted another brand (NOT
BOWIN) being tested during its program emitting Nitrogen
Dioxide levels higher than the World Health Organisation
Guideline (WHO).
WHAT
THE AUSTRALIAN STANDARD SAYS
As
the law currently stands, unflued gas heaters with an
emission level up to 5ng/J are permitted for sale in all
Australian States and Territories. An emission of 5ng/J
"translates" to a Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
concentration of around 300 parts per billion (ppb).
WHAT
THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION (WHO) SAYS
For
people who have pre-existing respiratory conditions (i.e
asthma) there is some evidence to suggest small effects
in the pulmonary (lung) function of asthmatics at or above
200 - 300 ppb. Healthy
people are unlikely to be affected at these levels but
may be affected at levels at or above 1000 ppb. On this
basis, a guideline of 110 ppb was established.
ARE
BOWIN HEATERS SAFE?
All
BOWIN gas flueless appliances have been designed to meet
stringent World Health Organisation Guidelines on safe
concentration levels of pollutants, for Nitrogen Dioxide
this is set at 110 ppb.
In
the case of the BOWIN SLE, the most popular model in the
BOWIN range, it is the world's cleanest heater and emits
around 1.2 ng/J of Nitrogen Dioxide (which is a third
of what a typical heater emits, like the one depicted
on the Today Tonight program) this translates to a concentration
of 40 - 50 ppb, which is half the WHO guideline.
ALL HEATERS HAVE BEEN FITTED WTIH A VENTILATION SAFETY SWITCH
The device
will automatically shuts off the gas supply if the oxygen level
in the room approaches a defined minimum set by the
Australian Standard 4553. The heater will not operate until
the living space is properly ventilated and adequate oxygen is
introduced, and the pilot is relighted.
Note:
The levels of emission of a BOWIN Heater are designed
to be safe even in worst case situations (tight homes),
however as an added precaution it is still advisable to
ventilate the room you are heating to promote the removal
of and build up in the concentration should you have a
gas stove running at the same time as the heater.
WHY
ARE BOWIN HEATERS SAFER THAN OTHER BRANDS?
In
the early 1990's BOWIN recognised the need for safer emission
levels, and set out to design and develop a revolutionary
LO-NOx gas burner, to dramatically reduce ALL oxides of
nitrogen, to levels well below the most stringent international
target norms. In contrast to other burner designs, which
aim to reduce only the NO2 component
(which is part of the TOTAL NOX released), the BOWIN Lo-Nox™burner
reduces ALL oxides of nitrogen beyond mere compliance.
We
have a range of international Patents protecting the revolutionary
burner design. If you would like to read the patent on
this particular application click on the link below.
International
Patent Covering Lo-Nox™ burner design
BOWIN
Ultra - Low NOx Burner (on wooden display)
PROVEN
TESTIMONY
BOWIN
Lo-Nox™gas heaters are specified by the NSW State Supply
Service for classroom heating applications. The Government
has made a committment to replace all existing "older
style" conventional heaters in Public Schools, with BOWIN
Lo-Nox™gas heaters. This ensures that our children are
being educated in not only a warm classroom environment,
but also in a safe classroom environment.
BOWIN
Lo-Nox™ burners and Electronic Heater Management Technologies
are now proudly adopted in the Government sponsored National
Australian technology Showcase, promoting World's Best
Technologies around the globe.
