Q&A
1) What is carbon monoxide (CO)?
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless and tasteless poisonous gas that can be fatal when inhaled. It is often known as the 'silent killer' for this reason.
2) Where does it come from?
It can be produced when burning any fuel such as petrol, diesel, propane, natural gas, oil, wood, coal. It is a by-product of incomplete combustion. The normal combustion process (the addition of oxygen) will result in carbon in the fossil fuel, combining with oxygen in the air, to produce carbon dioxide (CO2), the same substance we exhale when we breathe. However, if there is a lack of air for the combustion process or the heating appliance is faulty, carbon monoxide can be produced - which is deadly.
3) Why is it so dangerous?
Inhaling carbon monoxide reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen, leaving the body's organs and cells starved of oxygen.
4) Where can it come from in the home? Which appliances cause it?
- Any fuel-burning appliance that is malfunctioning or improperly installed can produce CO such as:
Gas boilers, gas cookers, gas clothes dryers, water heaters, portable gas heaters, fireplaces, generators, wood burning stoves and boilers - Blocked chimney or flue
- Poorly ventilated rooms, sealed windows, no air bricks
- Operating a grill/barbecue in an enclosed space
- Vehicles, generators and other combustion engines running in an attached garage
- Other appliances that have not been serviced or maintained
5) How serious is the issue?
Around 50 people per year die from accidentally inhaling CO gas and hundreds more are injured. As the symptoms of CO can sometimes mimic other common ailments such as flu, people may not realise they are suffering from it, and therefore it is difficult to determine the true number of people affected by CO.
6) What are the symptoms?
The most common symptoms are tiredness, drowsiness, headaches, nausea and vomiting. Please refer to the 'identifying CO' page for further information.
7) Who are most at risk?
All people and animals are at risk, CO does not discriminate, however the following groups are more vulnerable: unborn babies, infants, elderly and people with chronic heart disease, anaemia or respiratory problems. Please refer to the 'identifying CO' page for further information.
8) Are there any clues to look out for around the home? How can I tell?
Yes, despite its colourless, odourless and tasteless nature there are signs to be aware of, around appliances. Please consult the 'identifying CO' page for more information.
9) What should I do if I suspect CO is present?
Evacuate the affected area into fresh air or if this is not possible ventilate the affected area, open all doors and windows. Shut off gas supply, call TRANSCO on 0800 111 999, seek medical assistance - GP or hospital in case of an emergency. Identify the source of carbon monoxide; consult a CORGI registered installer to make repairs. Please consult the 'prevention' page for more information.
10) How can I prevent it?
Get your appliances checked once a year by a CORGI-registered installer and invest in at least one audible CO alarm. Please refer to 'prevention' page for more information.
Legislation
Unlike smoke alarms there are no mandatory regulations for CO alarms in private homes. All landlords must provide an annual safety certificate to tenants which covers the gas appliances in the house being tested but this test does not specifically look for or address carbon monoxide. The one exception is that registered student landlords must provide a CO alarm.
The Council of Gas Detection and Environmental Monitoring (CoGDEM) does not recommend non-audible alarms such as visual indicators (patches), as these require constant monitoring and will not wake you or alert you in the case of an emergency. There is no relevant standard for these patches to be tested to and consistency of detection varies greatly.
*Research conducted by The ‘Home Safety’ Report – sample of 500 people, ages 18-70 from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in 2004 by Jan Walsh.