Statistics provided by the Health and Safety Executive show that on average around 30 people die in the UK every year as a direct result of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Thousands more experience symptoms of CO intoxication and suffer the effects of this silent and deadly intruder in the home.
CO is an invisible gas which you cannot smell or taste.
It is produced by the incomplete combustion of carboncontaining
fuels, such as gas (mains or LPG), coal, oil,
coke and wood. Gas stoves, fires, heating boilers, gaspowered
water heaters, paraffin heaters and solid fuel
powered water heaters are all potential sources of CO.
CO can be produced if an appliance is poorly installed, if
it’s not working properly or if the owner does not have it
checked for safety and serviced regularly. CO is also
caused if the living space has inadequate ventilation, for
instance if air vents are blocked or if the chimney or flue
is obstructed.
Visible signs that indicate an appliance may be
producing CO include the appearance of yellow or
brown staining around or on the appliance and
increased condensation inside windows. Pilot lights that
go out frequently are a key cause for concern. So is a
burner that produces yellow rather than blue flames
(apart from on a flueless fire).
CO poisoning is often misdiagnosed as its symptoms
are similar to those of other conditions such as the onset
of flu; they can include dizziness, fatigue, weakness,
headache, drowsiness, disorientation, fits, nausea,
vomiting, stomach pains, chest pain, wheeziness,
palpitations and hyperventilation. The elderly, babies,
children, pregnant women and people with heart
conditions are at the greatest risk.
If you come across an appliance
that you think may be producing CO, switch it off
immediately, open all windows and doors, and
leave the room to ventilate before checking it over.
If a person is displaying any of the symptoms
associated with CO poisoning you must encourage
them to seek medical attention immediately.
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