Around 50 people die every year as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. A further 4,000 require a trip to A&E and around 200 are hospitalised. Despite this, only around half of homes in the UK have a carbon monoxide detector installed.
The myths and misconceptions around carbon monoxide are widespread. For starters, did you know that 1 in 10 people believe that they can see, smell or feel a carbon monoxide leak? There’s a reason carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer, and we’re going to explore this in more detail in this article.
What is carbon monoxide poisoning?
Carbon monoxide is commonly confused with carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is what we breathe out. It is non-toxic and does not harm us. Carbon monoxide is the result of oxygen-deprived combustion. It is odourless, invisible and toxic to humans and animals.
Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when you breathe in carbon monoxide. If it is allowed to build up in your blood, it binds with your red blood cells and prevents them from being able to absorb oxygen. Without oxygen, your vital organs will shut down and you will die.
The source of a carbon monoxide leak isn’t always your boiler It could be from any gas appliance or heater in your home. It could also be the result of a blocked chimney flue. It’s important to get all gas appliances serviced regularly and to check your chimney before you start a fire. If there is a leak, a professional may go in equipped with a mask with a carbon monoxide filter on it to safely determine the cause of the problem and fix/remove it, if they are able to.
What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are as follows: (more info here)
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Breathlessness
- Collapse
- Loss of consciousness
These symptoms can often be mistaken for things like colds, flu and food poisoning, which makes it more difficult to spot. If you notice that you only have these symptoms at home and you feel better when you go outside, then carbon monoxide might be to blame. You should open your doors and windows and switch off your boiler. Call a gas safe engineer and only return inside when they have confirmed it is safe to do so.
In the case of collapse or loss of consciousness, this is a medical emergency. If you find someone unconscious and suspect that it might be the result of a gas leak, take them to the hospital and call a gas safe engineer.
What causes carbon monoxide leaks?
The source of a carbon monoxide leak isn’t always your boiler It could be from any gas appliance or heater in your home. It could also be the result of a blocked chimney flue. It’s important to get all gas appliances serviced regularly and to check your chimney before you start a fire.
What can I do to prevent carbon monoxide leaks?
All gas appliances in your home should be checked regularly. Boiler cover can help you to manage the cost of annual services. Not only will your boiler be more efficient, but you will also feel more confident that it is safe.
Another inexpensive way to protect yourself and your family from carbon monoxide is to install a carbon monoxide detector. You should look for a carbon monoxide detector that will emit a loud sound to warn you. Just like your smoke detectors, you should test it regularly to ensure it is working.
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