Information on Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) can result from all fossil fuels, not just gas fires and boilers.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can include tiredness, drowsiness, headaches, giddiness, nausea, vomiting, pains in the chest, breathlessness, stomach pains, erratic behaviour and visual problems. These symptoms can mimic many common ailments and may easily be confused with flu or simple tiredness.
When you are at risk
You are at risk from CO poisoning if:
- Your appliance was poorly installed
- Your appliance is not working properly
- Your appliance has not been checked for safety or maintained regularly
- There is not enough fresh air in the room
- Your chimney or flue gets blocked
- Non-CORGI registered engineers install or maintain your appliance(s)
What to look out for
Signs to look out for include:
- Yellow or brown staining around, or on appliances
- Pilot lights that frequently blow out
- Increased condensation inside windows
- Yellow rather than blue flame (apart from flueless fires)
What to do if you detect CO in your home
If you think your appliance is spilling CO:
- Switch off the appliance and do not reuse until remedial action has been taken
- Open all doors and windows to ventilate the room - do not sleep in it
- Visit your GP urgently and tell them that you believe your symptoms may be related to CO poisoning and request either a blood and/or breath sample
- Contact a CORGI registered installer to make repairs
Installing an approved carbon monoxide detector can aid early detection and reduce risk of CO poisoning in your home. Protect yourself and your family from the "silent killer" order your CO alarm here (opens in new window).
Further information about Carbon Monoxide Awareness is available on the Health and Safety Executive website (opens in new window).