Carbon Monoxide - the invisible killer

Carbon Monoxide - the invisible killer

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, deadly gas. As you cannot see, taste or smell it, carbon monoxide can kill you before you know it's there. Today's more energy efficient, airtight home designs contribute to the problem by trapping CO-polluted air inside the home.

Why is carbon monoxide so dangerous?

The great danger of carbon monoxide is its attraction to haemoglobin in the bloodstream. CO is breathed in through the lungs and bonds with haemoglobin in your blood, thus displacing the oxygen which cells need to function. When CO is present in the air it rapidly accumulates in the blood. It will eventually displace enough oxygen in your system to suffocate you from the inside out, resulting in brain damage and death.

Where does carbon monoxide occur?

A common by-product of appliances that run on flammable fuel, carbon monoxide can be emitted by gas or oil boilers, refrigerators or clothes' dryers, water heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves, charcoal grills, gas ranges and space heaters. A clogged chimney or improper venting can cause problems as well.

Who is at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning?

Everyone is at risk. Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. Experts believe that vulnerability to CO poisoning increases for unborn babies, infants, senior citizens and people with coronary or respiratory problems. These people are considered to be at greatest risk.

What measures can I take to protect myself/tenants from carbon monoxide poisoning?

Detectors are now available which conform to BS 7860:1996, but even with a detector fitted there is no excuse for poor maintenance of heating systems when it could be a potential killer.

Under gas safety regulations, landlords must ensure that gas appliances, including LPG cabinet heaters, are checked for safety, ventilation, gas operating pressure, gas tightness and, where relevant, the effectiveness of the flue.

For maximum protection, two carbon monoxide detectors are recommended per household; one located in the boiler room, the other near sleeping areas.

How do I know if I am suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning?

CO poisoning is difficult to diagnose, because its symptoms are similar to other common diseases, such as the 'flu'. Carbon monoxide is often called "The Great Imitator". Symptoms of low level CO poisoning include headaches, fatigue, nausea, dizzy spells and confusion. There are, however, a few hints that can help to identify carbon monoxide poisoning in your home:

• Are other members of the household feeling ill as well?
• Do you feel better when you are away from the house for a period of time?

If so, you may be suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning.

o be sure, see a physician and request a carboxyhaemoglobin test. This will determine the percentage of carbon monoxide present in your blood.

What do I do if my carbon monoxide detector goes off?

Get out of the house immediately. Have a plan that includes a pre-designated meeting place, ao all members of the home can be accounted for. (Fatalities can occur when people re-enter the home in search of loved ones or friends). Contact the emergency services from a neighbour's home and ask for the fire rescue services and ambulance. Seek medical advice as soon as possible. Make contact with the company who would normally service the appliance that is likely to have caused the detector to go off. In the case of gas being the source, contact your CORGI registered installer. If in doubt, contact your gas board during office hours.

Make sure your home is properly ventilated before re-entering. Do not use any appliance likely to have caused the detector to go off until it has been checked and serviced.