Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when you breathe in even small amounts of the gas. When you breathe in carbon monoxide, it gets into your blood stream and prevents your red blood cells from carrying oxygen. Without oxygen, your body tissue and cells die.

 

Levels that do not kill can cause serious harm to health when breathed in over a longer period of time. Long term effects of carbon monoxide poisoning include paralysis and brain damage. Such long term effects occur because many people are unaware of unsafe gas appliances and subsequent gas leaks.

 

Causes

When a gas appliance has been incorrectly fitted, badly repaired or poorly maintained, or if flues, chimneys and vents are blocked. Oil and solid fuels such as coal, wood, petrol and oil can also produce carbon monoxide.

 

How do I avoid a carbon monoxide leak in my home?

 

• Your home may show signs of carbon monoxide.

• The flame on your cooker should be crisp and blue. Lazy yellow or orange flames mean you need to get your cooker checked

• Dark staining around or on appliances

• Pilot lights that frequently blow out

• Increased condensation inside windows

• Checking your alarm

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If you already have an alarm, please check the alarm to make sure it is marked to EN 50291 and has the British Standards' Kitemark or another European approval organisation's mark on it.

 

You are particularly at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning while sleeping, as you may not be aware of early carbon monoxide symptoms until it’s too late. It's advisable not to rely on the ‘black spot’ detectors that change colour when carbon monoxide is present. These will not make a sound to wake you up if the poisonous gas is present while you are sleeping.