As the weather gets colder and you close the windows and turn on the heating, there is an invisible risk of water leaking into your home. carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that cannot be seen, smelled or tasted, but can kill.
Around 20 people die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning in England and Wales every year, and many more are admitted to hospital.
Why winter is more dangerous
In the UK, 68% of carbon monoxide deaths occur in autumn and winter. During cold seasons, use more heaters and close windows to keep warm. This combination – a higher chance of malfunction of the fuel burning devices in use and less ventilation – can create the perfect conditions for CO to build up to dangerous levels.
Small spaces containing CO sources, such as fuel-burning cookers and fireplaces, are particularly at risk.This is because pollutants concentrate more quickly in enclosed spaces. However, accumulated CO levels can pose a threat to your entire home as the gas disperses from room to room.
Symptom Recognition
Because carbon monoxide is invisible and odorless, it is important to recognize the symptoms. caution:
- Headache/dizziness
- feeling sick or feeling sick
- feeling weak
- delirium
- chest and muscle pain
- shortness of breath
An important warning sign is that symptoms come and go. This is especially true if your symptoms get worse when you’re in a certain room or building and get better when you go out or get out. If you notice this pattern, it may indicate a CO problem.
Where does carbon monoxide come from?
Common household appliances can produce carbon monoxide if they are not installed properly, are defective, or are not properly maintained. These include:
- gas boiler
- Stoves that burn firewood, kerosene, natural gas, or propane
- Heaters using wood, oil, and natural gas
Using portable generators and barbecues or camping stoves inside your home, caravan or tent potentially puts you at risk of CO poisoning. CO can get into your tent even from a smoldering barbecue outside, so always set off an alarm when camping.
Ventilation is important. If you turn on your vehicle, generator or engine in an enclosed space, such as a garage or shed, keep windows or doors open to prevent CO build-up. Please use an exhaust fan or open a window when cooking.
How to Protect Your Home and Family
There are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your family.
CO alarm installation. This is the most important action you can take. In 2020, only 46% of UK homes had CO alarms installed, leaving millions of households vulnerable. Install an alarm in every room with a fuel-burning appliance, such as a gas boiler, coal stove, or wood-burning stove. The same applies to temporary accommodation such as caravans and boats. Test your alarm regularly and replace batteries as needed.
Use ventilation wisely. Studies have shown that using exhaust fans in the kitchen significantly lowers CO levels. Ensure adequate ventilation when cooking or using an open fireplace, wood stove, or other fuel-burning appliance. The same goes for using a generator or turning it on in a vehicle in an enclosed space.
Maintain your home appliances every year. Have all gas appliances serviced annually by a service center. Gas safety registration Engineer and have your chimney cleaned annually. Don’t wait until problems arise.
Watch for warning signs. If your gas appliance has a ‘floppy’ yellow or orange flame instead of a bright blue, soot marks around the appliance, or increased condensation on the inside of your windows, these may all indicate a problem. Don’t ignore these signs.
What to do if CO poisoning is suspected
If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected:
- Stop using appliances you think may produce CO.
- Open windows and doors to let in fresh air.
- get out immediately
- Seek medical advice as soon as possible
- Do not re-enter the affected building until you have received professional advice.
If you think your gas appliance is leaking carbon monoxide: Call the free National Gas Helpline Call 0800 111 999 immediately. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
All carbon monoxide deaths are preventable. As we head into the colder months when the risk is highest, take some time this week to check your CO alarms, schedule appliance service if it’s scheduled, and make sure everyone in your household knows what symptoms to look out for. This simple act could save your life or the life of a loved one.
