Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

More than 50 home deaths result every year from CO poisoning caused by faulty heating appliances.

What is it?
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas. It can be given off by appliances that burn fossil fuels such as gas, coal, wood or oil, if they’re not working properly if the flue is blocked in any way, or if the room is not properly ventilated.

Why is it so dangerous?
Carbon monoxide is odourless, colourless and tasteless, which makes it difficult to detect. However its effects are deadly. On average, 50 people a year are killed by carbon monoxide poisoning due to faulty heating appliances.

What are the main causes of carbon monoxide poisoning?
Most cases of carbon monoxide poisoning are due to inadequate ventilation or poor maintenance of appliances, blocked or leaky flues and chimneys. Chimneys can become blocked for various reasons. It could be as a result of birds nesting on the chimney, or possible degradation of the flue. A blocked flue can lead to carbon monoxide leaking into your home.

Who is most at risk?
Some people mistakenly think that it is only gas-fuelled heating systems which can cause carbon monoxide poisoning – in fact, it can happen with any fossil fuel system if the system, which included both the appliance and the flue, is faulty or the room is not properly ventilated. Also, some people associate carbon monoxide poisoning with rented accommodation – in fact, more people are killed in owner-occupied rather than rented properties.

What are the danger signs?
Carbon monoxide may be present if there are any of the following danger signs:

• Gas flames that normally burn blue burn orange or yellow instead.
• Sooty stains appear on or just above appliances, regardless of the fuel being burnt.
• Coal or wood fires burn slowly or go out.
• The fire is difficult to light
• The room is not properly ventilated.
• The chimney or flue is blocked – watch out for smoke in the room.
• You develop the following unexplained symptoms:
  • tiredness
  • drowsiness
  • headaches
  • dizziness
  • chest pains
  • nausea

What should you do?

• It is important to ensure rooms are ventilated – never block vents.
• Make sure that all chimneys and flues are regularly swept by a competent sweep and kept clear.
• Boilers and heating systems and appliances should be installed, maintained and regularly serviced by a competent engineer (make sure they are CORGI-registered for gas appliances).
• Carbon monoxide detectors should comply with British Standard BS 7860 – but remember they are only warning devices.

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