Carbon Monoxide?
Colourless
Odourless
Deadly
Produced by the Incomplete Burning of Carbon-Based Materials
Prevents blood from supplying oxygen to cells, tissue and other vital organs
Can't Be
Seen Heard Smelled Tasted
Did You know?
- Each year in the UK CO poisoning sends 4000 people to A & E
- 200 people will spend the night in hospital
- 50 People will Die
The Silent Killer
What are the Six Main Symptoms Of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Do not confuse the symptoms with the Flu Virus
CoronaVirus
Many Carbon Monoxide poisoning symptoms mirror those of the Coronavirus. So, if you get a negative lateral flow test, consider checking your CO alarms are in good working order. It’s better to be safe than sorry
Acute Symptoms Include All of the Chronic Symptoms and:
- Personality Change
- Tachycardia (Rapid Heart Rate)
- Angina and Hypertension
- Seizures
- Cerebral Oedema (Swelling of the Brain)
Other Signs to look out for:
Symptoms that only come when you are at home.
You start to feel better when you leave the house
What are the causes of carbon monoxide poisoning?
you are also at risk from:
- Burning fuel in unventilated spaces
- Block flues and chimneys
- Smoking shisha pipes indoors
- Barbecues
Remember
The risks are higher when you are using portable stoves or barbecues in caravans, tents, boats or motorhomes.
Who is at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning?
The very old and the very young
Students are particularly at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning. For many, it is the first time they have lived away from home and been responsible for their own housing, so it’s important that they understand the risks.
If you’re a student in rented accommodation, ask your landlord for an up-to-date gas safety certificate and demand that they make sure all fuel-burning appliances are safety checked at least once a year by a registered engineer.
Carbon Monoxide and pets
Animals are also affected by carbon monoxide and can help you identify potential dangers
Cats will refuse to come into the house
Dogs may have a sore mouth or throat and appear irritable
Did You Know?
Just sitting in your car with the windows closed and the engine running could expose you to CO Poisoning, so don’t do it!
Your body doesn’t know the difference between Oxygen and Carbon Monoxide, so when you breathe in your lungs don’t know that there is anything wrong.
The phrase “canary in a coal mine” came about because miners used to take birds into the mines to act as a warning signal for poisonous gases like carbon monoxide.
Carbon Monoxide and the great outdoors
Carbon monoxide is present whenever fuel is burnt without enough oxygen and cooking in unventilated areas such as tents can be fatal. to avoid accidents, follow these rules
Never cook inside a tent or an enclosed camping space
All fuel burning items need to have adequate ventilation to prevent the build-up of carbon monoxide (if you are suffering from the cold whilst out camping, put on another layer or buy a warmer sleeping bag)
Never use gas stoves or burners to heat your tent
How can I spot the dangers and keep my family safe?
Yellow or brown staining or soot around appliances
What precautions can I take?
Regularly check smoke and CO alarms batteries and replace them regularly
What should I do in an emergency?
Switch off the appliance
Open all windows and doors
Seek urgent medical advice
Get to your GP or local A&E and ask for a blood or breath test
