You can’t see it, taste it or smell it but it can kill quickly with no warning.
In the last year, 14 people have died from CO poisoning and 234 have suffered health problems from CO exposure. This poisonous gas is released when gas appliances are incorrectly fitted, badly repaired or poorly maintained.
An annual safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer will make sure your appliances are safe. This will prevent you being exposed to low levels of CO.
What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly poisonous substance which is produced by the incomplete burning of gas and Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG).
This can happen if a gas appliance has been incorrectly fitted, badly repaired or poorly maintained or if flues, chimneys or vents are blocked.
You could be inhaling CO without realising it. You can't see, smell or taste it, but at high levels it can kill you in minutes. Even breathing in a small amount can cause loss of consciousness and death.
Properly managed, gas is safe. Poorly managed, gas can produce harmful levels of carbon monoxide. So always use a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning occurs when you breathe in even small amounts of the gas. You can't see, smell or taste carbon monoxide so you won’t know it is there. You won’t necessarily notice the smell of gas.
If you breathe in CO, it gets into your blood stream and prevents your red blood cells from carrying oxygen. Without oxygen the body tissue and cells die.
Levels that do not kill can cause serious harm to health if breathed in over a long period. Paralysis and brain damage can be caused as a result of exposure to CO.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
Being aware of the symptoms of CO poisoning could save your life.
Many of the symptoms of carbon monoxide are similar to those of flu, food poisoning, viral infections, or simple tiredness. It is common to mistake the symptoms for something else.
Symptoms to look out for:
tiredness
drowsiness
headaches
giddiness
nausea
vomiting
pains in the chest
breathlessness
stomach pains
erratic behavior
visual problems.
Other signs that you may have CO poisoning:
If 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
If anyone else in your household is experiencing any of the symptoms (including your pets) and whether they appear at a similar time
If you have any of the above 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.
Get a Gas Safe registered engineer to inspect your gas appliances and flues to see if there is a dangerous problem
How do I know if my gas appliances are leaking carbon monoxide?
Your home may show symptoms of carbon monoxide, too. Any one of the following could be a sign that there is a build up of carbon monoxide and you need to have your gas appliances checked.
The flame on your cooker should be crisp and blue. Lazy yellow or orange flames mean you need to get your cooker checked
Soot or yellow/brown staining around or on appliances
Pilot lights that frequently blow out
Increased condensation inside windows
If you suspect that you have a faulty gas appliance in your home get it checked as soon as possible by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
This will alert you if there is carbon monoxide in your home, but this is no substitute for getting your appliances checked regularly.
A CO alarm looks similar to a smoke alarm and is very easy to fit by following manufacturer’s instructions. You can purchase a carbon monoxide alarm for under £20 at your local DIY store or supermarket.
Before purchasing a CO alarm, always make sure it complies with British Standard EN 50291. It must have a British or European approval mark on it, such as a Kitemark.
You can be particularly at risk from CO poisoning when you are asleep as you may not be aware of early CO symptoms until it is too late. Do not use the ‘black spot’ detectors that change colour when carbon monoxide is present. These will not make a sound to wake you up if the poisonous gas is present while you are sleeping.
To avoid CO poisoning, always have your gas appliances installed and serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. They have been trained and are qualified to carry out gas work to the highest safety standards.
Carbon monoxide kills if left undetected
For the safety of you and your family, it is advisable to fit a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm in your home. Just like a smoke alarm which alerts you to the presence of smoke, a carbon monoxide detector will alert you to the presence of CO.
The difference with CO is that it is invisible and has no smell or taste, so you might not realise it is there.
Gas Safe Register recommends the use of audible carbon monoxide alarms marked with British Standard EN 50291. It should also have a British or European approval mark, such as a Kitemark. CO alarms usually have a battery life of up to 5 years.
Fit an alarm in each room with a gas appliance. Read the manufacturer’s instructions before installing it.
Do not use the ‘black spot’ detectors that change colour when carbon monoxide is present, they don’t make a sound. It is important to choose an alarm that will wake you up if you’re asleep, or you may not be aware of early CO symptoms until it is too late.
Where can I get an alarm?
Carbon monoxide alarms are available from DIY retailers and cost around £20. They are usually found in the home security section.
Ask your Gas Safe registered engineer if you are not sure which alarm to buy or how to fit it – your engineer will be able to advise you.
