Death and injury, such as permanent brain damage, by carbon monoxide (chemical symbol: CO) poisoning is preventable with the right safety checks in place.
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Carbon monoxide is absorbed into the body through the lungs and attaches itself to haemoglobin in the blood. Carbon monoxide starves the body tissue of vital oxygen, suffocating you from the inside out. When carbon monoxide is inhaled into the body it combines with the blood, preventing it from absorbing oxygen. |
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Approximately 30 people die every year from carbon monoxide poisoning. Every one of us is a potential victim. |
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It is illegal for anyone other than a CORGI registered engineer to touch gas – you could be fined £5,000, imprisoned or worse still and kill someone – Don’t be tempted |
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Carbon monoxide poisoning can have long lasting effects on health, quality of life and work which cannot be reversed if high or prolonged exposure to CO has occurred. |
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Carbon monoxide is caused by incomplete burning of fossil fuels – e.g. gas, oil and coal from engines, oil burners, gas fires, water heaters, solid fuel burners and vehicles |
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Carbon monoxide is odourless, colourless and tasteless, leaving anyone exposed at danger |
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Carbon monoxide can kill without warning in just a few hours |
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Boats and caravans are also potentially at risk |
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Make sure gas appliances and heating systems are inspected every year by a CORGI registered engineer |
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Install* audible carbon monoxide detectors one per gas appliance |
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* Please note: Installing a carbon monoxide detector isn’t a substitute for having your appliances checked and maintained annually by a CORGI registered engineer |
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Never run cars, motorbikes, lawnmowers or petrol driven generators in a confined space |
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Never block or obscure air vents |
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Have chimneys swept regularly |
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Have flues checked regularly |
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Never be tempted to “fix” the problem yourself – ALWAYS use a CORGI registered engineer |
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What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
The symptoms of poisoning can vary depending on the level of absorption by the human body. While most people are aware that high levels of carbon monoxide are harmful, it is less well known that the length of exposure is also important. A relatively low level of carbon monoxide for a long period of can cause the same symptoms as a high level of carbon monoxide for a short period.
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Carbon monoxide symptoms are often mistaken for flu
A major concern is that the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can often and easily be mistaken for flu. Patients presenting the usual symptoms are very rarely tested for carbon monoxide by their GPs. After conducting a survey, Poisons Expert, Professor John Henry, found that the majority of GPs misdiagnosed carbon monoxide poisoning as flu. Thus resulting in thousands of people suffering from undiagnosed carbon monoxide poisoning especially in the winter.
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Breathlessness |
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Dizziness |
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Erratic behaviour |
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Fatigue |
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Headache/Nausea |
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Stomach pains |
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Visual problems |
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Vomiting |
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How do I know if I am risk?
Although carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas there are some significant danger signs to look out for that indicate you could be at risk:-
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Staining, sootingYellow or orange flame – it should be blue |
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Rusting or water streaking on appliance |
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Loose or disconnected vent |
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Increased condensation on windows |
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Pilot lights that frequently blow out |
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Act on your instincts - If you think there is a risk get it checked out by a CORGI registered Engineer |
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What are the main causes of carbon monoxide poisoning?
There are several different causes of carbon monoxide poisoning:- |
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Ventilation |
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Poor maintenance of appliances |
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Chimneys - can become blocked for various reasons. It could be as a result of birds nesting on the chimney, or possible degradation of the flue. |
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Blocked or leaky flues can lead to carbon monoxide leaking into your home |
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Backdrafting
With an increase in the number of devices which extract the air from the home, e.g. bathroom extractor fans and kitchen vents, in conjunction with the more energy efficient homes, a negative pressure situation may occur within a home. This results in a reverse in the airflow spilling carbon monoxide into the living area.
The severity of carbon monoxide emissions in the home will often be exacerbated in new energy efficient homes, particularly where double glazing has been installed. This removes the draughts so often associated with older properties where a natural ventilation system existed. |
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If you suspect a problem associated with carbon monoxide:-
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Switch of the appliance and do not use until it has been properly checked by a CORGI registered engineer |
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Shut off the gas supply – and call Transco if you think it is still leaking - Freephone Number 0800 111 999 |
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Ventilation is vital – open all windows and doors – do not sleep in the room |
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Seek medical advice immediately |
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Contact a CORGI registered engineer and get the system thoroughly checked |
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PLEASE DON’T PUT YOURSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE AT UNNECESSARY RISK
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