Just got to reply to this one! I first picked up a platinum impregnated
catalyst bed heater for my 67 VW camper in 1969. From a chemical perspective,
I was amazed that a Pt catalyst could be done for the price at the time. I
ran a few GCMS (Gas Chromatograph/ Mass Spectrometer) spectral scans on the
propane bottle heaters specifically looking for CO emissions. The numbers
were in the noise (less than 0.1%). The experiment wasn't designed to
quantify trace amounts. Interestingly I did find traces of methyl radicals
and formic acid (incompletely oxidized aliphatics from partial combustion of
propane). The concentration of these trace gases varied spatially over the
area of the catalyst mat.

Can't imagine how one could confuse a Pt catalyst bed heater with a radiant
heater or any of the other backpacker staples.

Frank Grunthaner