Preventing CO poisoning

(25/10/2007)

In the UK, about 50 people die each year in their homes from accidental CO poisoning and around the world tens of thousands seek medical attention for its affects. Awareness of this odourless, colourless, tasteless gas only peaks when horrible tragedies occur and reach the news – even during what should be the happiest of family times, when on holiday.

Carbon Monoxide is a highly poisonous gas that is found in carbon-based fuel appliances. Anyone who uses natural gas, heating oil, petrol, or wood to heat their home or work area should be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a product of the incomplete combustion of natural or petroleum gas. Common sources in the home may include faulty central heating systems, gas cookers/fires/tumble dryers, hot water heaters and fireplaces. Blocked flues and chimneys prevent the gas escaping and is inhaled by the unsuspecting individual.

Danger signs of CO leakage include yellow or orange flames on the appliances where there should normally be a crisp blue one, and sooty stains on the walls around fires and water heaters. CO poisoning can also occur if you share a wall or chimney with a house that has a potential source of CO, even if your own house does not have one.

Carbon monoxide blocks the body's ability to carry oxygen - and poisoning from the gas can happen in just minutes or over a period of time depending on the amount of carbon monoxide in the air.

Monitoring CO on holiday

Before going on holiday, check if there are gas appliances where you are staying. You can ask to be moved if there is a gas water heater at your destination and also ask to see the latest safety inspection documentation. Also consider taking a carbon monoxide detector away with you, most are easily portable.

Have you been poisoned by carbon monoxide?

Everyone is at risk of CO poisoning. However, some are more vulnerable than others, including young children, the elderly, students and also people with anaemia, and those with heart and lung diseases. Pregnant women risk foetal damage through exposure to Carbon Monoxide.

In addition to the fatality figures, there is a much larger number of sub-lethal poisonings. These figures could be just the tip of the iceberg as poisoning by carbon monoxide is almost certainly undetected. Headaches, dizziness, lethargy, tiredness and nausea can easily be mistaken for ’flu and other common viruses, or even food poisoning. If one or more individuals in your household suffers from these symptoms while at home but feels fine elsewhere, they may be suffering from CO poisoning.

Many people who have been exposed to carbon monoxide report having problems with their memories, but these can range on a scale from very mild to serious.

Typical Symptoms include:
• Mild headache.
• Dizziness.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Fatigue.
• Drowsiness, but serious exposure can lead to coma and even death.

Choosing a CO alarm

First chose whether a battery operated or plug in version is best for you – which will depend on where and when you want to use it. For easy portability, or use on holiday, the battery operated Micromark CO alarm (MM80777) may be suitable. The Micromark Carbon Monoxide alarm is available from around £30, and can be placed in a hallway or sleeping area.

For continuous monitoring in the family home, the Micromark Plug-in Carbon Monoxide alarm (MM5573) may be the best solution. Easily fitted to the mains, it ensures whole family is safe from these odourless and colourless fumes. When carbon monoxide is detected a bright red light comes on accompanied by a horn sounding. This happens before a healthy person will feel any symptoms, giving enough time for everyone to get out of the property before a fatality occurs.

Best advice:
* Service your boiler regularly by CORGI approved installer
* Check the flame colour of your appliances - if it’s orange there may be a problem
* Correctly fit CO alarm in hallway/sleeping areas of your house
* If alarm sounds, leave house immediately and call a Corgi registered engineer
* have chimneys and flues checked regularly (and fit a guard to stop birds nesting)
* make sure gas appliances and heating systems are inspected every year
* Check for adequate ventilation – airbricks must be unobstructed
* Do you suffer from any unexplained illness, such as fatigue, muscle pains, upset stomach, lethargy, dizziness and headaches? If so, go to your doctor and ask for a Carbon Monoxide test. Don’t delay, because the Carbon Monoxide in your blood will deplete and may not be detected.
* If you think you are suffering from CO poisoning, get out into the fresh air immediately. Ventilate the premises and consult your doctor or go to a casualty department if the symptoms are serious.
* If you are a tenant – check the Landlord’s safety certificate
* Never run cars, motorbikes or lawnmowers in a closed garage

Related categories:  Boilers - Gas   Detectors and alarms   Flues   Flues and flueing   Gas and electrical fires   Kitchen appliances   Residential applications 

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