Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

By / July 31st, 2014 / There are currently 0 comments

Carbon monoxide is a highly poisonous gas produced by unsafe gas appliances. Known as the “silent killer” carbon monoxide cannot be smelt, tasted or seen and can kill quickly, with no warning. In the UK over 200 people require hospital treatment every year for suspected carbon monoxide poisoning, and the gas is responsible for around 40 deaths.

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide can kill, as well as cause serious long term health problems such as brain damage and paralysis. Recognising these symptoms early could save your life. Therefore it is important to recognise the signs and receive medical treatment quickly.

The six main symptoms to look out for are:

  1. Headaches
  2. Dizziness
  3. Nausea
  4. Breathlessness
  5. Collapse
  6. Loss of consciousness

Many of these symptoms are similar to flu, food poisoning, viral infections and general tiredness, therefore it is quite common for people to mistake carbon monoxide poisoning for something less serious.

Other signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

  1. Symptoms only occur while at home
  2. Symptoms disappear or get better when you leave home, and return when you come back
  3. Others in your household, including pets are experiencing the same symptom

What is carbon monoxide poisoning?

Carbon monoxide is produced by the incomplete burning of gas and liquid petroleum gas (LPG). This usually happens when a gas appliance is incorrectly fitted, badly repaired or poorly maintained. Burning solid fuels such as coal, wood, petrol and oil in poorly ventilated spaces can also produce carbon monoxide.

Breathing in only a small amount of carbon monoxide is enough to poison you. When you breathe in the gas it gets into your blood stream and prevents your red blood cells from carrying oxygen. This causes your blood cells and body tissue to die.

If you experience any of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning you should:

  1. Get outside into fresh air immediately. Open all doors and windows and turn off all appliances at the gas main.
  2. Seek medical help straight away
  3. Call your local gas emergency helpline
  4. Have your appliances checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Preventing carbon monoxide poisoning

There are a number of signs of carbon monoxide to look out for. Any of the following could indicate there is carbon monoxide in your home:

  1. Lazy yellow or orange flames on your cooker, flames should be crisp and blue
  2. Dark staining on or around appliances
  3. Pilot light frequently blows out
  4. Increased condensation on windows.

It is important to have gas appliances regularly serviced by a qualified Gas engineer and marked with an appropriate gas appliance label to show whether it is safe to use or not.

Should I get a carbon monoxide alarm?

Yes! Because carbon monoxide has no taste, smell or colour the alarm will detect and alert you to the presence of the gas in your home.

Carbon monoxide alarms are available as battery powered or mains connected appliances. A new law in Scotland which comes into effect from October 2014 will make it compulsory for carbon monoxide alarms to be fitted to all new build properties and when a new gas appliance is installed.

Do not use “black spot” carbon monoxide detectors that change colour when the gas is present. These will not make a sound to wake you if the poisonous gas is present while you are sleeping.

Locate alarms near bedrooms and living areas on each level of your home and ensure they are at least 1.5 metres away from any fuel-burning appliances and not obstructed. Do not place carbon monoxide alarms in dead air or next to a window or door.

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