Support the 11th National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week

Carbon monoxide is called the ‘silent killer’ for a very good reason. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas that you can’t see, hear or smell. It is colourless, odourless, tasteless and non-irritating.

It can also kill you.

If you ignore the early symptoms of CO poisoning, it is all too easy to lose consciousness and be unable to escape the danger.

CO poisoning takes place when a gas appliance that has been poorly fitted, repaired or maintained produces carbon monoxide. When you breathe in CO, the gas replaces the oxygen that flows in your blood stream. And without oxygen, your body tissue and cells die.

According to the Chief Medical Officer for England, accidental (as in they could have been prevented) carbon monoxide poisoning results in approximately 200 hospitalisations and 40 deaths in England and Wales each year. However, these are only recorded cases – recent figures from the Department of Health suggest that as many as 4,000 people per year are treated for suspected CO poisoning at A&E departments in England alone.

Plus there will be countless others who have unknowingly been exposed to CO, which has almost certainly had a negative impact on their health.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of CO poisoning may include:

• Dull headache
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Confusion
• Collapse
• Loss of consciousness

It important to note that symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to those of food poisoning, flu, fatigue or a viral infection. This means that it is fairly common for people not to realise that they are being affected by a potential fatal poisoning. Therefore, it is also important to look out for the following signs:

• Do you only feel ill when you are home? Do the symptoms seem to disappear when you’re out of the house?
• Are other people and pets that live with you also feeling unwell?

Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week

This year’s National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week takes place from 21 st until 27 th November 2016 . It is the perfect opportunity to gain a better understanding into this deadly gas and how to protect yourself and your loved ones from being poisoned.

Firstly, the most important thing is to always use a Gas Safe registered gas engineer when any installations, repairs or maintenance needs to be carried out on your gas appliances. Make sure your appliances are checked and serviced on a regular basis.

A CO alarm is just as important as a smoke alarm in any house with a boiler, open fire, woodburning or multi-fuel stove. They cost well under £20 and just like a smoke alarm, could save lives. However, please be aware that a carbon monoxide alarm is an additional safeguard – it is not a substitute for poor maintenance.

If you suspect CO poisoning, open doors and windows immediately to get fresh air, turn off any gas appliances and leave your home. See a doctor or go to hospital as a matter of urgency and let them know you that you may have been exposed to CO. They will be able to carry out a breath or blood test to confirm your suspicions.

And if you believe there is an immediate danger, call the Gas Emergency Helpline on 0800 111 999.