Fire safety in your home - carbon monoxide
Carbon Monoxide Kills.
You can't see it, taste it, or smell it.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is difficult to detect because it is colourless and has no taste or smell. People often don't realise that they are being overcome by fumes until it is too late.
Carbon Monoxide is a highly poisonous gas that has no colour, taste or smell. Fuel burning appliances such as stoves, fires, boilers and water heaters can produce carbon monoxide if they are incorrectly fitted, badly repaired or poorly maintained or if flues, chimneys or vents are blocked.
Gas, oil and solid fuels such as coal and wood can all produce carbon monoxide.
Too many people die needlessly or become seriously ill because of carbon monoxide poisoning each year, early symptoms can easily be mistaken for flu or tiredness.
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Breathlessness
- Collapsing
- Loss of consciousness
Symptoms are similar to the flu, food poisoning, viral infections and tiredness. It can be easy to mistake the symptoms for something less serious.
If you experience symptoms or your CO alarm sounds:
- Open doors and windows
- Get fresh air immediately
- Leave the house
- Call the emergency services
- Seek medical advice, if feeling unwell
For more information, visit the NHS website.
- Install an audible Carbon Monoxide alarm
- Don't block the ventilation
- Know the signs of Carbon Monoxide poisoning
- Service your fuel burning appliances regularly with a registered engineer