Gas safety - Carbon monoxide awareness frequently asked questions

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, poisonous gas produced by incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels, including gas, oil, wood and coal. Carbon-based fuels are safe to use. It is only when the fuel does not burn properly that excess CO is produced, which is poisonous.  When CO enters the body, it prevents the blood from bringing oxygen to cells, tissues, and organs.

You can't see it, taste it or smell it but CO can kill quickly without warning. According to the HSE statistics every year around 7 people die from CO poisoning caused by gas appliances and flues that have not been properly installed, maintained or that are poorly ventilated. Levels that do not kill can cause serious harm to health if breathed in over a long period. In extreme cases paralysis and brain damage can be caused as a result of prolonged exposure to CO. Increasing public understanding of the risks of CO poisoning and taking sensible precautions could dramatically reduce this risk.

There are signs that you can look out for which indicate incomplete combustion is occurring and may result in the production of CO:

• yellow or orange rather than blue flames (except fuel effect fires or flueless appliances which display this colour flame)
• soot or yellow/brown staining around or on appliances
• pilot lights that frequently blow out
• increased condensation inside windows

There are a number of simple steps that gas consumers can take to keep themselves safe.

Carbon monoxide can be produced by any combustion appliance, including those that burn fossil fuels eg oil, wood and coal.  If you have one of these appliances you should make sure that it is serviced and maintained by a competent person and the chimney is regularly swept.

Early symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can mimic many common ailments and may easily be confused with food poisoning, viral infections, flu or simple tiredness. Symptoms to look out for include:

• headaches or dizziness
• breathlessness
• nausea
• loss of consciousness
• tiredness
• pains in the chest or stomach
• erratic behaviour
• visual problems

For more information visit the NHS or telephone NHS Direct on 0845 4647.
If you or your family experience any of the above symptoms and believe you may have been exposed to carbon monoxide, you should seek urgent medical advice from either your GP or an A&E department.

• Call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999
• Switch off the appliance and shut off the gas supply at the meter control valve
• Open all doors and windows to ventilate the room
• Visit your GP and tell him/her that you believe you may have been exposed to carbon monoxide

Higher quality

• Introduction High quality version, suitable for broadband connections
• Physiological mechanics High quality version, suitable for broadband connections
• Diagnosis of CO poisoning High quality version, suitable for broadband connections
• Investigations High quality version, suitable for broadband connections

Lower quality

• Introduction Lower quality version, suitable for dial-up connections
• Physiological mechanics Lower quality version, suitable for dial-up connections
• Diagnosis of CO poisoning Lower quality version, suitable for dial-up connections
• Investigations Lower quality version, suitable for dial-up connections