What Is

what is 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?

Because You Can’t See It, Smell It, Hear It or Taste It, it’s known as

The Silent Killer

It can Kill You before you even know it’s there.

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:

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?

Campfires
Cookers
Boilers

you are also at risk from:

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?

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

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?

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

Yellow or brown staining or soot around appliances

Pilot lights that frequently blow themselves out
An increased condensation inside windows

What precautions can I take?

Always use a reputable Gas Safe Registered engineer when having any gas works done on your home 
Have your boiler checked at least once a year to ensure it is in full working order and operating safely. 
Have your chimney swept at least once a year by a qualified chimney sweep 
To reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, be sure to keep room vents clear of obstructions!  

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

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