It is important to know that while carbon monoxide is and
does sound scary, you can prevent it.
Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly toxic gas. If a gas appliance
is not fitted or serviced in the right way, it can produce carbon
monoxide. And when it does, you can't see, taste or smell it. It
can kill quickly, with no warning.
The process that creates carbon monoxide is incomplete burning of
gas and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). It happens with badly
functioning gas appliances, but it can also occur if flues,
chimneys or vents are blocked. Oil and solid fuels such as coal,
wood, petrol and oil can also produce carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide will poison you when you breathe in even small
amounts of the gas. It gets into your blood stream and prevents
your red blood cells from carrying oxygen. Without oxygen, your
body tissue and cells die.
Levels of carbon monoxide that do not kill can cause long term
damage to your health. If you breathe it in over time the long-term
effects on your health include paralysis and brain damage.
Carbon monoxide symptoms are similar to flu, food poisoning,
viral infections and tiredness. That's why it's quite common to
mistake this very dangerous poisoning for something else. Being
aware of the symptoms could save your life.
The six main signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
are:
- headaches
- dizziness
- nausea
- breathlessness
- collapse
- loss of consciousness
Other signs that could point to carbon monoxide poisoning:
- your symptoms only occur when you are at home
- your symptoms disappear or get better when you leave home and
come back when you return
- others in your household are experiencing symptoms (including
your pets) and they appear at a similar time.
What should I do if I experience any symptoms?
If you experience carbon monoxide symptoms:
- Get fresh air immediately. Open doors and windows, turn off gas
appliances and leave the house.
- See your doctor immediately or go to hospital - let them know
that you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning. They can do a blood or
breath test to check.
- If you think there is immediate danger, call the Gas Emergency Helpline.
- Get a Gas Safe
registered engineer to inspect your gas appliances and flues to
see if there is a dangerous problem.
You may not see obvious signs that tell you your gas appliance
isn't working properly. Only a gas safety check and a service will
pick it up. Mark the date on your calendar for your annual gas
safety check.
Spotting signs of carbon monoxide
Your home may show signs of carbon monoxide. Any one of the
following signs could point to carbon monoxide:
- the flame on your cooker is lazy and a yellow or orange
colour
- soot or yellow or brown staining around or on appliances
- pilot lights that frequently blow out
- too much condensation on windows
Fit a carbon monoxide alarm
Fit a carbon monoxide alarm in your home that will make a sound
to alert you if you're in danger.
Gas Safe Charity recommends audible carbon monoxide alarms
marked with British Standard EN 50291. It should also have a
British or European approval mark, such as a Kitemark.
Carbon monoxide alarms usually have a battery life of up to five
years, don't forget to check they're still working. Fit an alarm in
each room with a gas appliance.
Only use an alarm that makes a sound so that it will wake you up
if you're asleep.
Carbon monoxide alarms are available from DIY retailers and cost
around £20. You can usually find them in the home security
section.
A carbon monoxide alarm is only your second line of
defence. You should always get your appliances fitted and serviced
properly by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
