Chimney Sweeping | Stove Installation & Servicing | Brighton & Hove | Sussex
Carbon Monoxide (CO) - the silent killer
About Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless, colourless, non-irritant gas. It is the most common cause of fatal poisoning in Britain today. It causes the accidental deaths of up to 500 people each year in the USA and a much larger number of sub-lethal poisonings.
Carbon monoxide is produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels, such as gas (domestic or bottled), coal, oil, coke and wood. Gas stoves, fires, heating boilers, gas-powered water heaters, paraffin heaters, and solid fuel-powered water heaters are all potential sources of carbon monoxide. The problem arises when such appliances are poorly maintained, not serviced and housed in poorly ventilated areas. Waste products of combustion are not effectively removed, for example because of blocked flues and chimneys, then poisonous gas mixtures may re-enter the room.
Therefore you must regularly sweep your fire, ensure there is adequate ventilation and always use the right fuel.
What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
One of the difficulties with diagnosing carbon monoxide poisoning is that many of its symptoms are similar to those of other conditions. Often the onset of symptoms is gradual, occurring without the individual being fully aware of what is happening. Coupled with this is the fact that the severity of the poisoning depends on:
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how much carbon monoxide is actually present in the environment.
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the duration you are exposed to carbon monoxide.
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the age of the individual concerned – elderly, children and the foetus are all at greater risk.
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the general state of health.
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the extent of physical activity – effects are increased with higher activity levels.
The commonest symptoms (with frequency of occurrence in brackets) include:
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headache (90 per cent)
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nausea and vomiting (50 per cent)
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vertigo (50 per cent)
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altering states of consciousness (30 per cent)
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weakness (20 per cent).
Carbon Monoxide (CO) - What to Do
Have you chimney swept at least once a year, ideally before use. It is now a legal requirement to fit a CO alarm when fitting a new stove. In older properties if a chimney is not lined and there is the potential for leaks, it may be advisable to place CO alarms in rooms the chimney passes through.
CO is only slightly lighter / less dense than air, it will mix with the air, it’s therefore best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation, although many guides suggest about shoulder height in the room containing a live fire, or head height in a sleeping area (bed height).
If your appliance begins to burn slowly, goes out frequently or if you smell or suspect fumes:
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Open doors and windows
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Carefully put out the fire or allow too burn itself out
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Do NOT stay in the room any longer than necessary
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Do NOT attempt to re-light the fire or appliance until checked by a professional
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Call 999 and request an Ambulance and the Fire Service if the alarm is sounding or a person is unwell
