Local plumbers are supporting a proposed ban on portable gas heaters in all residential properties due to the serious risks they pose to people's health and safety.
It comes after Master Plumbers CEO Greg Wallace voiced his concerns earlier this week and asked for the country to follow Canada, some US states and parts of Australia who have already put bans in place.
Certified gas fitter and director at East Coast Plumbing and Gas Ltd, Sean Patrick, agreed that portable gas heaters are not safe for use inside houses.
"People don't understand the problems that are associated with it," he said. "It is very dangerous."
Portable gas heaters lack a flue or chimney to carry combustion products outside, causing carbon monoxide to become trapped inside the room. Often there won't be sufficient ventilation within the room to provide fresh air, Mr Patrick said.