What is Carbon
Monoxide?

Colourless

Odourless

Produced by the incomplete
burning of carbon-based fuels

Extremely Deadly Gas

Prevents blood from
supplying oxygen to cells,
tissues and vital organs

can't be seen / can't be smelled / can't be heard / can't be tasted / can't be seen / can't be smelled / can't be heard / can't be tasted

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

Because you can't see it, smell it, hear it or taste it, it's known as the silent killer

WHAT ARE THE 6 main SYMPTOMS OF
CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING?

ACUTE symptoms include all of the chronic symptoms and

Personality change

Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)

Angina and hypotension

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?

OPEN FIRES
COOKERS
BOILERS
OPEN FIRES
COOKERS
BOILERS
OPEN FIRES
COOKERS
BOILERS

You are also at risk from

OPEN FIRES
COOKERS
BOILERS

Burning fuel in unventilated
spaces

Blocked flues and chimneys

smoking shisha pipes indoors

Barbeques

REMEMBER!

The risks are higher when you are using portable stoves or barbeques in caravans, tents, boats or motorhomes.

WHO IS AT RISK FROM
CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING?

Any person or animal in your house is at risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning,
but some are more vulnerable than others

People with
chronic heart
and respiratory
problems
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

dogs may have a sore mouth or throat and appear irritable

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.
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.
Just sitting in your car with the windows closed and the engine running could expose you to CO Poisoning, so don't do it!

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

Never use gas stoves or burners to heat your tent

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)

HOW CAN I SPOT THE DANGERS AND KEEP MY
FAMILY SAFE?

Orange or Yellow (instead of
blue) flames from appliances
(unless they are flame effect
fires)

An increase in condensation
inside windows

Yellow or Brown staining or
soot around appliances

Pilot lights that frequently
blow themselves out

WHAT PRECAUTIONS CAN I TAKE?

Have your chimney swept at least once
a year by a QUALIFIED chimney sweep

WHAT SHOULD I DO IN AN EMERGENCY?

Switch off the appliance
Open all windows and doors
Call GAS EMERGENCY on – Freephone 0800 111 999
Seek URGENT medical advice
Get to your GP or local A & E and ask for a blood or breath test
Carbon Monoxide leaves your body quickly so immediate action could save your life

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