The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide
If you use gas, wood, oil, or coal as fuel for your home, you and your family may be at risk for carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Carbon monoxide is extremely difficult to detect because it is colourless and has no smell or taste. Although carbon-based fuels are safe to use under proper conditions, these fuels become quite dangerous when they do not burn completely and emit CO into the air.
The haemoglobin in the blood connects with carbon monoxide that is breathed into the body. Haemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying portion of the red blood cells. Carbon monoxide restricts the haemoglobins ability to carry oxygen throughout the body, and the bodys tissues, organs, and cells begin to die. Brain damage, paralysis and even death can occur from only small amounts of carbon monoxide that are breathed in over long periods of time.
It is easy to miss a diagnosis of CO poisoning because the symptoms are very much like other common illnesses. Viruses, the flu, food poisoning, and tiredness may cause a person to feel nauseous and drowsy and can be accompanied by vomiting and stomach pains; these are all symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Vision difficulties, unexplained behaviours, trouble breathing, and chest pains are also symptoms of CO poisoning.
Two of the most prevalent causes of CO poisoning in the home are flues and gas appliances. According to the HSE (Health and Safety Executive), an average of twenty people in the UK die every year from carbon monoxide poisoning. Most home CO poisoning cases are the result of gas applicances or flues that are not installed correctly or are not maintained as instructed. There is a higher risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if there is not plenty of fresh air circulating throughout the home.
The best protection against CO poisoning is being prepared. You must be aware that wherever there is carbon-based fuel being used, the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning exists. Everyone in the home needs to know the dangers and signs of CO in the air. A properly installed carbon monoxide alarm can give you an early warning of the presence of carbon monoxide. Make sure your alarm has a British or European approval mark and complies with British Standard EN 50291. These audible alarms are especially useful if carbon monoxide begins to fill the air at night while everyone is asleep.
To make sure your gas appliance or flue is installed according to established safety standards, hire a CORGI-registered technician for the job. These professionals are trained to install these appliances properly, decreasing your risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. Gas appliances and flues need to be checked at least once a year to ensure there are no operating problems and to make any repairs. In addition, hire a professional chimney sweep to clean flues.
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