Carbon monoxide is often referred to as CO, which is its chemical symbol. Unlike many gases, CO has no odour, colour, or taste, and it doesn't irritate your skin. This invisible gas with no smell is given off when there is not enough ventilation for fuels such as gas or coal to burn safely.

 

Many people are unaware of the danger as, at low levels of concentration, CO induces symptoms similar to those for colds and flu, shortness of breath, mild headaches and nausea. At higher levels of concentration, the symptoms become more severe with dizziness, mental confusion, severe headaches, nausea and fainting on mild exertion. At higher levels still, CO will lead to unconsciousness and death.

 

If you suspect fumes may be leaking from your flue or you get headaches, chesty congestion, drowsiness, nausea etc or you see fumes as a haze across any room in the house contact an engineer who is registered by the Council for Registered Gas Installers (CORGI).

 

Red blood cells pick up CO quicker than they pick up oxygen. If there is a lot of CO in the air, your body may replace oxygen in your blood with CO. This blocks oxygen from getting into your body, which can damage tissues in your body and can kill you. Knowing where CO is found and how to avoid it can protect you from serious injury or death.

 

If you use a chimney or flue for burning solid fuel, or bring one back into use, have it swept at least once a year, or more frequently if you burn wood.

 

Some gas and oil-fired appliances fitted to an outside wall have a 'balanced flue', which takes air in and lets waste gas out. Never block up the outside grille or rest anything against it.

 

Check the pilot light regularly on gas boilers and water heaters to make sure it has not gone out. ·

 

Never carry out do- it-yourself repairs to gas appliances and installations, call in a CORGI registered fitter. When buying gas appliances look for the British Standards safety mark or British Gas Seal of Approval, and beware of second-hand 'bargains' and 'cowboy' installers.

 

If you suspect a gas leak, open the windows, turn off the supply and call Transco on 0800 111 999. Don't operate switches as a spark could ignite the gas.

 

When replacing LPG cylinders, check washers and make sure all joints are fully tightened with a spanner.

 

Always keep a special watch on young children and elderly people when fires and heaters are in use. ·