The Dangers Of Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide Can Be Deadly

You can’t see or smell carbon monoxide, but at high levels it can kill a person in minutes. There are over 20 deaths in the UK a year from this silent killer, plus around 200 serious incidents each year where people only narrowly survive carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, paraffin, wood, or charcoal is burned. If appliances that burn fuel are maintained and used properly, the amount of CO produced is usually not hazardous. However, if appliances are not working properly or are used incorrectly, dangerous levels of CO can result. Hundreds of people die accidentally every year from CO poisoning caused by malfunctioning or improperly used fuel-burning appliances. Foetuses, infants, elderly people, and people with anaemia or with a history of heart or respiratory disease can be especially susceptible. Be safe. Practice the Do's and Don'ts of carbon monoxide.

CO Poisoning Symptoms

Know the symptoms of CO poisoning. At moderate levels, you or your family can get severe headaches, become dizzy, mentally confused, nauseated, or faint. You can even die if these levels persist for a long time. Low levels can cause shortness of breath, mild nausea, and mild headaches, and may have longer term effects on your health. Since many of these symptoms are similar to those of the flu, food poisoning, or other illnesses, you may not think that CO poisoning could be the cause.

Prevention is the Key to Avoiding Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

DO have your fuel-burning appliances -- including oil and gas boilers, gas water heaters, gas ranges and ovens, gas dryers, gas or paraffin space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves -- inspected by a trained professional at the beginning of every heating season. Make certain that the flues and chimneys are connected, in good condition, and not blocked.


DO choose appliances that vent their fumes to the outside whenever possible, have them properly installed, and maintain them according to manufacturers’ instructions.


DO read and follow all of the instructions that accompany any fuel-burning device. If you cannot avoid using an un-vented gas or paraffin space heater, carefully follow the cautions that come with the device. Use the proper fuel and keep doors to the rest of the house open. Open a window to ensure enough air for ventilation and proper fuel-burning.


DO get advice from the Consumer Product Safety Council or RoSPA for information on how to reduce your risks from CO and other combustion gases and particles.


DON’T idle the car in a garage -- even if the garage door to the outside is open. Fumes can build up very quickly in the garage and living area of your home.


DON’T use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short time.


DON’T ever use a charcoal grill indoors -- even in a fireplace.


DON'T sleep in any room with an un-vented gas or paraffin space heater.


DON’T use any petroleum-powered engines (mowers, weed trimmers, snow blowers, chain saws, small engines or generators) in enclosed spaces.


DON’T ignore symptoms, particularly if more than one person is feeling them. You could lose consciousness and die if you do nothing.


A Few Words About CO Detectors

Carbon Monoxide Detectors are widely available in stores and you may want to consider buying one as a back-up -- BUT NOT AS A REPLACEMENT for proper use and maintenance of your fuel-burning appliances. However, it is important for you to know that the technology of CO detectors is still developing, that there are several types on the market, and that they are not generally considered to be as reliable as the smoke detectors found in homes today. Some CO detectors have been laboratory-tested, and their performance varied. Some performed well, others failed to alarm even at very high CO levels, and still others alarmed even at very low levels that don’t pose any immediate health risk. And unlike a smoke detector, where you can easily confirm the cause of the alarm, CO is invisible and odourless, so it’s harder to tell if an alarm is false or a real emergency.

So What’s a Consumer to Do?

First, don’t let buying a CO detector lull you into a false sense of security. Preventing CO from becoming a problem in your home is better than relying on an alarm. Follow the checklist of DOs and DON’Ts above.

Second, if you shop for a CO detector, do some research on features and don’t select solely on the basis of cost.  Look for CE Marked certification on any detector you purchase.

Carefully follow manufacturers’ instructions for its placement, use, and maintenance.

If the CO detector alarm goes off:

• Make sure it is your CO detector and not your smoke detector.
   

• Check to see if any member of the household is experiencing symptoms of poisoning.
   

• If they are, get them out of the house immediately and seek medical attention. Tell the doctor that you suspect CO poisoning.
   

• If no one is feeling symptoms, ventilate the home with fresh air, turn off all potential sources of CO -- your oil or gas boiler, gas water heater, gas range and oven, gas dryer, gas or paraffin space heater and any vehicle or small engine.
   

• Have your gas appliances serviced annually by a CORGI-registered installer.

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Following these simple guidelines could save your life.

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