The dangers of Carbon Monoxide (CO)...

Information about the dangers of Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Appliances that are properly installed and serviced and have sufficient ventilation are usually efficient and safe. To make sure you and your family are safe you must have all your gas appliances safety checked annually by a CORGI registered installer. Get a Carbon Monoxide alarm for the house. If you live in rented accommodation with gas appliances your landlord must provide you with proof that a CORGI registered installer has safety-checked the appliances within the last 12 months.

Recognising the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning

The symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning are similar to the 'flu'. They can include Nausea, Dizziness, Tiredness, Headaches, Stomach pains and Chest pains.If you experience these symptoms but feel better when you are outside or away from the appliance, you could be suffering from Carbon Monoxide poisoning.Our blood has a component called haemoglobin, which normally absorbs oxygen in our lungs and carries it to the rest of the body. But haemoglobin absorbs Carbon Monoxide 240 times more easily than it does oxygen.So, when we inhale Carbon Monoxide from the air, it is this toxic gas, rather than oxygen that attaches itself to the haemoglobin, starving the body of oxygen. The smaller the person, the more quickly the body can be overcome by the effects of Carbon Monoxide.Severe Carbon Monoxide poisoning makes the body turn a cherry-red colour. Unlike a lack of oxygen due to choking for example, the body does not turn blue. Instead, the victim's skin will be pink or pale with bright red lips. Carbon Monoxide poisoning can affect the victim's mental ability before they are even aware that there is a problem. Any effort that increases the body's need for oxygen only makes the problem worse, rapidly leading to collapse and potentially death

What to do in an emergency

Make sure you know what to do and who to call in an emergency. If you suspect a Carbon Monoxide leak, stop using the appliance until it has been checked by a CORGI registered engineer.You should open windows to ventilate the area, leave the room to get some fresh air and seek medical attention.If someone is seriously ill from Carbon Monoxide poisoning it is vital that they are removed immediately from the contaminated area, placed into the open air and given pure oxygen, if available. Victims should be kept at rest, avoiding exertion. You need to call for medical help urgently.If you receive medical attention, be sure to state that you suspect Carbon Monoxide poisoning to ensure you receive appropriate treatment, such as a breath or blood test. Do NOT smoke, do NOT turn light switches on or off and do NOT do anything to create a spark. If possible extinguish or turn off the fuel supply. If you do not have to switch on a light to do so, open doors and windows and wait outside for the emergency engineer to arrive.Have all appliances checked by a qualified engineer before reusing.For emergency help related to gas call: 0800 111 999 for England, Scotland and Wales 0800 300 363for HSE Gas Safety advice