I've a couple of questions
-- does the parking heater exhaust have any systems to reduce pollution? Or is it pure and unadulterated diesel fumes?
-- has anyone measured the outputs of pollutants from the parking heater?
I am wondering about the localised environmental impact of the parking heater
Its a good question. certainly, as others have indicated, the amount of fumes/CO2 will be tiny compared to driving the van any distance. However, you indicate the 'local' environment....so:
I noticed a bit of a diesel/exhaust smell inside the van. Despite reassurances on here, I did check inside with a CO meter and it was nil, so despite the occasional odour inside, I'm reassured on that.
For the immediate local environment outside the van, it is exhausting underneath, so I think it would be sensible to be cautious if someone was sleeping in a connected awning with zero wind around when there is definitely a mild exhaust smell outside near the van. All very unlikely of course.
Including noise in environmental concerns, in some situations, the heater can be a bit noisy. Probably fine from inside a camper, motorhome or caravan. However, it could be a bit of an issue near a tent at sleep time with low or no wind noise. Just occasionally I've delayed using it in this situation.
Good to think about all the issues; overall the heater is absolutely brilliant and extends camping possibilities so much in colder seasons. I'm sure will all go electric in time.