Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas that makes it one of the most deadly risks in your home. It is created when inadequately burning fuel sources (gas, oil, coal or wood) discharge vapours containing CO and other emissions. Faulty boilers, gas fires, cookers and blocked flues can all cause CO to seep out.
The upside, however, is that with some basic checks, you can drastically lower the chances of carbon monoxide poisoning.
What makes carbon monoxide so deadly?
When you breathe it in, CO will not allow your blood to carry oxygen effectively. Even mild exposure feels like a sickness. Acute or very high exposures can result in unconsciousness and at the most severe levels, death.
So it is important to understand these signs at an early stage.
Signs & symptoms of CO poisoning
CO poisoning is hard to detect, as it can resemble a common flu or foodborne illness. Common symptoms include:
Headaches
Dizziness or light-headedness
Nausea or vomiting
Shortness of breath
Confusion, drowsiness, or unusual tiredness
Heart problems (Chest pain in particular)
One very important sign is when your symptoms easily clear away as soon as you leave the property and return the moment you go back inside.
Common clues in households to be aware of
Your house may be the first to give signs before your body does. These include:
Gas appliances should burn with a sharp blue flame, not yellow or orange.
Soot or staining in proximity to a boiler, fire or appliance.
Windows on appliances used for cooking have excessive condensation.
The pilot light continuously goes out.
An odd odour (not CO, but gases from the incomplete burning of gas).
Little or no air conditioning inlets.
Check the ventilation and flue condition of an open-flued appliance, as it may be even more important.
If you think there might be carbon monoxide
Ventilate by opening doors and windows.
Where you can, turn off appliances.
Get out of the place and clear your head.
If you think a gas appliance may be involved, call the National Gas Emergency Service (UK) on 0800 111 999.
If anyone in the family has symptoms, contact a medical provider.
How to protect your home
Fit carbon monoxide alarms in the correct locations (follow manufacturer instructions).
Have gas appliances inspected by a Gas Safe registered engineer. For Boiler Service Gloucester, contact www.hprservicesltd.com/gloucester-boilers/boiler-service-gloucester/
Do not cover air vents or light bricks.
Keep chimneys and flues maintained.
CO risk is preventable. Those small patrols can mean the difference between life and death when there is an actual working alarm and checks are done.
