What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (C0) is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, poisonous gas produced by incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels including gas, oil, wood, and coal. Sources can include cookers, heaters, Gas appliances and fireplaces. You cannot see it, taste it, or smell it, but C0 can kill quickly without warning.
What are the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning?
Early symptoms of carbon monoxide (C0) poisoning can mimic many common ailments and may easily be confused with food poisoning, viral infections, flu, or simple tiredness.
- headache
- feeling sick (nausea) and dizziness
- you may feel tired and confused
- some people are sick (vomit) and have abdominal pain.
The symptoms of C0 poisoning can resemble those of food poisoning and the flu because they have similar symptoms. However, unlike flu, C0 poisoning does not cause a high temperature. Symptoms that may come on later include:
- confusion
- loss of memory
- problems with co-ordination.
How to prevent Carbon Monoxide poisoning
- Make sure all appliances are installed and maintained by a professional.
- Keep chimney flues free from blockages.
- Ensure your home has enough ventilation and airbricks are not blocked.
- Protect your family from this silent killer by fitting a C0 alarm approved to BS EN 50291.
What to do if your carbon monoxide alarm sounds or you suspect a leak
- Stop using all appliances, switch them off, and open doors and windows to ventilate the property.
- Evacuate the property immediately. Stay calm.
- Call the emergency number: 0800 111 999 to report the incident.
- Seek immediate medical help and advice if you think you have been exposed to C0.
- Go immediately to your local Accident and Emergency Department (A&E) if you are feeling unwell after being exposed to C0.
- Never go back into the property, wait for advice from the Emergency Services.
If you use carbon-based fuels including gas, oil, wood, and coal in your home, you should have a C0 alarm installed. If this is not the case, please call our customer service team on: 0300 1234 161 and request that a C0 alarm be installed.
