Carbon Monoxide – Dangers

Your family is at risk for carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning if there are any appliances in your home that use gas, oil, coal or wood. Because carbon monoxide does not have any color, smell, or taste, it is not easy to determine when it is present. Carbon-based fuels are typically safe to use, but they become a health hazard when they do not burn properly.

Carbon monoxide affects the haemoglobin in the bodys blood stream. Oxygen is transported through the body by haemoglobin, which is part of the red blood cells. The red blood cells fail to carry oxygen to the bodys cells, tissues and organs when carbon monoxide is mixed with the haemoglobin. The lack of oxygen causes the cells, tissues and organs to die slowly. Prolonged exposure to even minimal amounts of CO can result in paralysis, brain damage, and death.

The first effects of carbon monoxide may be dismissed as the onset of a common illness. The headaches, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness and stomach pains that accompany CO poisoning may be passed off as the effects of food poisoning, a virus, the flu, or exhaustion. Carbon monoxide poisoning can also produce pains in the chest, breathlessness, erratic behaviour, and visual problems.

Many homes contain gas appliances and flues, and these can both cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Sadly, an average of twenty UK residents die from CO poisoning each year, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Improper installation of gas appliances and flues along with the lack of recommended maintenance cause the majority of residential carbon monoxide incidents. A constant supply of fresh air is essential for a home that operates carbon-based fuel appliances.

Knowledge of carbon monoxoide poisoning is essential to protect your family. If you use a carbon-based fuel in one or more of your home appliances, there is a chance you could become a victim of CO poisoning. Make sure your entire family understands the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and how dangerous it can be. One precaution you can take is to install a carbon monoxide alarm. The alarm must be installed according to the manufacturers instructions, comply with British Standard EN 50291, and carry the British or European approval mark. Alarms with audible warning signals will ensure your family will be protected from CO poisoning even while they sleep.

A CORGI-registered professional should install any gas appliance or flue in your home. You can trust an installer with CORGI credentials to install appliances and flues properly and safely. Make an appointment with your CORGI-registered installer for a preventive maintenance check every year to ensure your appliances are operating as they should be and to make any necessary repairs needed to keep your family safe from carbon monoxide. Hire a qualified chimney sweep to clear out flues every year.

By: Tal Potishman

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Tal Potishman, editor of Heating Central, writes articles about boilers, central heating, Ipswich plumbers, underfloor heating and solar thermal. He specializes in helping save money by advising on efficient heating.