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What is Carbon Monoxide? |
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Carbon Monoxide is a carbon and oxygen atom compounded together making the molecular formula CO.
It’s a colourless, odourless poisonous gas produced by the incomplete combustion of the fossil fuels - gas, oil, coal and wood used in boilers, engines, oil burners, gas fires, water heaters, solid fuel appliances and open fires. |
| Incomplete combustion can be caused by:
• Incorrect installation
• Inadequate ventilation
• Poor maintenance and servicing
Regular servicing and gas safety checks on appliances in the home are recommended, in which the above examples can be avoided. |
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So how does Carbon Monoxide kill you? |
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If Carbon Monoxide is inhaled, the absorption of oxygen into the body is prevented and can result in oxygen starvation. Oxygen-absorbing haemoglobin in the blood that carries oxygen to the body from the lungs, finds it over 200 times easier to absorb carbon monoxide. In which, the carbon monoxide attaches itself to the haemoglobin and the body is starved of oxygen.
Children are at greater risk - the smaller the victim; the body can be overcome quicker with the poisonous carbon monoxide effects that take place.
‘From our survey, most people would believe that had the flu rather than been poisoned from a faulty gas appliance’ |
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The Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning |
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We know that carbon monoxide poisoning is often confused with flu like symptoms headaches, nausea, stomach or chest pains and dizziness. The skin can take on a pink shade and the lips turn bright red.
If there is any suspicion of carbon monoxide poisoning contact you GP immediately. If there should be an emergency follow these important steps:
• Remove the victim from the contaminated area
• Place in fresh air (pure oxygen if available)
• Avoid movement
• Call 999
Call a CORGI registered engineer to check the safety of the gas appliances. |
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Making your home safe |
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Please follow these simple steps to keep
your home safe
• Gas appliances must be installed by a
professional CORGI registered engineer.
• Regular servicing and safety checks are
recommended by a CORGI registered engineer
• Never carry illegal installations or services of your
gas appliances from unregistered workers
• Turn the gas off and get it checked by a CORGI
professional
• Have chimneys swept and vents cleared
• Have fitted a audible CO alarm |
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Choosing the right Carbon Monoxide detector |
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We do not recommend the ‘black-spot’ detector although significantly cheaper than an audible carbon monoxide detector.
Audible detectors can be purchased from most DIY stores or through your CORGI registered installer. Ensure the alarm has good quality batteries fitted and test the alarm to see if would wake you if you were asleep.
Make sure it has a British and European kite-mark. |
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