Carbon Monoxide
Carbon Monoxide
The Silent Killer
What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Carbon Monoxide (also known as CO) is a colourless, odourless poisonous gas and is a common yet preventable cause of death from poisoning worldwide. Approximately half of the deaths from unintentional CO poisonings result from the inhalation of smoke from fires. Other significant causes are vehicle exhausts and deaths in industrial / commercial settings. On average between 1 and 2 people die each year in Ireland from unintentional CO poisoning in the home in incidents related to domestic heating or other fossil fuel installations in the home (i.e. excluding the inhalation of smoke from fires).
The incomplete combustion of organic fossil fuels such as oil, gas or coal is a common environmental source of CO and is responsible for many cases of non-fatal unintentional CO poisoning.
In normal conditions the 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.
When CO is inhaled into the body it combines with the blood, preventing it from absorbing oxygen. If a person is exposed to CO over a period, it can cause illness and even death.
Carbon Monoxide has no smell, taste or colour. This is why it is sometimes called the “Silent Killer”.
Carbon Monoxide alarms can be used as a backup to provide a warning to householders in the event of a dangerous build up of CO. Check that the Carbon Monoxide alarm complies with the EN 50291 standard. Remember that Carbon Monoxide alarms are no substitute for regular inspection and maintenance of appliances, vents, flues and chimneys.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Causes of CO Poisoning
- Faulty or damaged heating appliances
- Heating appliance not maintained or serviced
- Rooms not properly ventilated
- Blocked chimneys or flues
- Indoor use of a barbecue grill or outdoor heater
- Poor installation of heating appliances
- Improper operation of heating appliances
- Property alterations or home improvements, which reduce ventilation
- Running engines such as vehicles or lawnmowers in garages
- Using cooking appliances for heating purposes
- Symptoms of CO Poisoning
Symptoms of CO Poisoning
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning can be similar to those caused by other illnesses such as a cold or flu. They include Unexplained headaches, chest pains or muscular weakness
- Sickness, diarrhea or stomach pains
- Sudden dizziness when standing up
- General lethargy
What to Do?
If anyone in your house has any of the symptoms outlined above get fresh air immediately, then go to your doctor and ask him/her to check for Carbon Monoxide poisoning.
Stop using the appliance immediately and do not use it again until it has been checked by a registered installer or a qualified service agent. The amount of CO which the blood absorbs depends chiefly on two things: how much CO is in the air and the time of the exposure. Adverse effects of CO on humans are reduced by periods of breathing fresh air. The degree of recovery depends on the number and length of those periods. The general state of health and degree of physical activity of a person exposed to CO are other factors involved in the effects of Carbon Monoxide on the body.
Carbon Monoxide
If you or your family experience symptoms and you believe CO may be involved you should seek urgent medical advice. Inform your doctor of your concerns. CO will leave the blood when you go out into the fresh air and tests for CO may be inaccurate if taken hours after the exposure has ceased.
Again, if you find a person ill or unconscious near any fuel burning appliance, be careful in case you also become a casualty. Get fresh air immediately by opening windows and doors.
Use Carbon Monoxide alarms but remember these are no substitute for regular inspection and maintenance of appliances, vents, flues and chimneys.
Check that the Carbon Monoxide alarm complies with the EN 50291 standard. The above information is from http://www.carbonmonoxide.ie, for further information please feel free to visit the carbonmonoxide.ie website.
Safety Precautions
- Ensure your appliances are correctly installed and SERVICED ANNUALLY
- Ensure that rooms in your home containing heating appliances are properly ventilated – NEVER BLOCK VENTS of FLUES
- Make sure all chimneys are regularly swept and kept clear
- Use appliances only for the PURPOSE for which they were designed, e.g. do not use a cooker to heat a room
- NEVER use any appliance if you suspect it might be faulty
- If undertaking ALTERATIONS to your home which may affect the safety or efficiency of your heating installation (e.g. adding an extension, converting a garage, removing internal walls, changing a living room into a bedroom, double glazing / weather sealed doors) follow this safety advice
- If creating a new living space, ensure it has ventilation in accordance with Building Regulations
- If adding additional radiators ensure that your boiler can cope with the additional capacity
- If you are altering or adding appliances to a natural gas or LPG installation, ensure that work is carried out to IS813:2002 Domestic Gas Installations
- Get professional advice on ventilation and flueing before embarking on alterations to your house. Contact your fuel supplier for details of qualified personnel
Use Carbon Monoxide alarms but remember these are no substitute for regular inspection and maintenance of appliances, vents, flues and chimneys.
Check that the Carbon Monoxide alarm complies with the EN 50291 standard. The above information is from carbonmonoxide.ie, for further information please feel free to visit the carbonmonoxide.ie website.