Do you know the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning?

According to ITV’s This Morning, Carbon Monoxide is poisoning six people in the U.K. every day.

The dangers associated with carbon monoxide are promoted to the general public every year through Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, but it is programmes like This Morning which importantly also highlight these dangers.

What is Carbon Monoxide and what do you need to know to keep you, your family and your workplace safe?

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous, colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas that can make you unwell if you breathe it in, and, if exposed to high levels, potentially kill you.

Where is CO found?

CO is found in fumes produced when you burn fuel. This can be found in gas ranges, fireplaces, stoves, furnaces, small engines and cars or trucks. CO can build up indoors and can potentially poison people and animals who breathe it in. Incorrectly installed, poorly maintained or poorly ventilated household appliances – such as cookers, heaters and central heating boilers – are the most common causes of accidental exposure to carbon monoxide.

What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?

CO symptoms can often be described as flu-like, such as headaches, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. If you breathe in a lot of CO it can make you pass out or even kill you.

Who is at risk from CO poisoning?

Everyone is at risk for CO poisoning. Certain groups can be more vulnerable than others, such as babies and young children, the elderly, pregnant women, people with chronic heart disease and breathing problems. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents state that “accidental (and therefore preventable) carbon monoxide poisoning results in recorded cases of around 40 deaths and 200 hospitalisations each year in England & Wales.”

So, how can I prevent CO poisoning in my home?

• Keep your boilers, cookers, heating systems and appliances regularly maintained and serviced by a reputable, registered engineer
• Maintain chimneys and flues by keeping them swept regularly by a qualified sweep
• To protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by exhaust fumes:
• Don't leave petrol-fuelled lawnmowers or cars running in the garage
• Make sure your car's exhaust is checked every year for leaks
• Make sure your exhaust isn't blocked before turning the engine on
• Install a carbon monoxide alarm in your home to alert you if there's a carbon monoxide leak.

How can 3 Solutions help you stay safe?  

Our in-house qualified heating engineers can install, repair and maintain all heating systems including natural gas, oil and solid fuel. Make sure you get your gas boiler and solid fuel serviced regularly to ensure that you stay safe. We can also fit a battery operated CO alarm for just £35 +VAT into your residential or commercial property.

For any heating enquiries, to book your service or to book in for a CO alarm fitting please call 01749 344155 or email enquiries@3solutionsltd.co.uk.