Carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a silent killer – you can’t see it, taste it or smell it. That’s why it’s important to install CO detectors within your home and be aware of the danger signs and symptoms of CO poisoning.

Causes of carbon monoxide build-up

CO poisoning occurs when any fuel-burning appliance has not been properly installed or maintained, or in cases of poor ventilation.

Possible sources include boilers, gas fires, central heating systems, water heaters, cookers and open fires.

The build-up of carbon monoxide can also be caused by any of the following:

• Using cooking appliances as heaters
• Indoor use of barbecues or outdoor heaters
• Burning fuel in an enclosed or unventilated space
• Faulty/damaged heating or cooking appliances
• Badly ventilated rooms – sealed windows or no air bricks
• Blocked chimneys or flues
• Running engines (for example cars or ride-on lawnmowers) in enclosed garages

The danger signs of carbon monoxide

• Yellow or orange, rather than blue, flames (except fuel effect fires or flueless appliances which display this colour for effect)
• Soot or yellow/brown staining around appliances or fireplaces
• Pilot lights that frequently blow out
• Increased condensation inside windows

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning

The early symptoms of CO poisoning can easily be mistaken for other common ailments and can develop quickly or over several days or months. These include:

• A headache
• Feeling dizzy and sick
• Feeling tired and confused
• Being sick and/or having stomach pain
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

What to do if you think you are suffering the effects of CO poisoning

• If you can, leave the property immediately and get out into the open air or open the doors and windows to ventilate the room
• Switch off all gas appliances and don’t use them again until they have been checked/made safe by a registered gas engineer
• If appropriate, seek urgent medical advice from your GP or your nearest A&E department