Carbon Monoxide - The Facts

What is Carbon Monoxide ?

It is a commonly found, insidious and deadly poisonous gas, produced when fossil fuels such as gas, oil and solid fuel appliances are in operation. Greater amounts are produced if there is inadequate ventilation/oxygen for the appliance to use, or if the appliance is not working properly.

• It has no colour
• It has no smell
• It has no taste
• It is silent, invisible and deadly

If you breathe it in, it stops the blood taking up vital oxygen needed to keep you alive.

When are you at risk ?

You are at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if:-

• Equipment is not working properly - due to incomplete combustion
• There is not enough fresh air in the room
• A chimney or flue gets blocked up and carbon monoxide enters your living area

What are the danger signs ?

If you feel drowsy, have a slight headache, feel dizzy when you stand up, nauseous/ vomiting or have a pain in your chest then you could be suffering from the early stages of carbon monoxide poisoning.

These are just some of the symptoms. You could also feel tired, have palpitations, or diarrhoea and stomach pains.

CO can cause death or permanent injury to oxygen rich tissue, such as the brain or heart. Continuous exposure to even relatively low levels of CO can lead to significant health effects.

CO poisoning is often confused with flu or cold symptoms or the effect of modern living.

If you have any of these symptoms, turn off your appliance and seek medical advice.

Where are the Potential CO Sources in the Home ?

• Boiler
• Gas Water Heater
• Gas Oven/Hob - Cooker
• Fireplace (wood, coal or gas)
• Warming up a car on a cold morning in an attached garage
• Barbeque - charcoal/gas
• Gas heater - Space Heater

Natural Gas, Propane, Methane, Butane, Wood, Oil, Petrol, Coal and Charcoal. Also known as "Fossil Fuels"