Causes of CO Poisoning
Carbon monoxide (also known by its chemical name CO) can be released by any fuel when it is burned, including coal, turf, oil, gas and wood. Harmful levels can be produced by:
- Any badly installed, faulty or damaged heating appliance, chimney or flue
- Fuel-burning appliances not maintained or serviced regularly
- Rooms not properly ventilated where a fuel-burning appliance is used
- Blocked chimneys or flues
- Indoor use of a barbecue grill or outdoor heater
- Improper operation of fuel-burning appliances
- Property alterations or home improvements which reduce ventilation or compromise flue arrangements
- Running engines such as vehicles or lawnmowers in garages
- Using cooking appliances for heating purposes
Symptoms of CO Poisoning
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be similar to those caused by other illnesses such as a cold or flu. They include
- Unexplained headaches, chest pains or muscular weakness
- Sickness, diarrhoea or stomach pains
- Sudden dizziness when standing up
- General lethargy
Other signs include:
- Symptoms occurring when a particular appliance is on
- Others in the property (including pets) suffering similar symptoms
- Symptoms improving when you are away from the property
It is important to be aware that elderly individuals, children, pregnant women and their babies and those with breathing or cardiovascular disease are at increased risk of harm if exposed to carbon monxoide.
What to Do?
If anyone in your house has any of the symptoms outlined above and you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, get fresh air immediately, then go to your doctor and ask them to check for carbon monoxide poisoning.
Stop using the appliance immediately and do not use it again until it has been checked by a registered installer or a qualified service agent.
The amount of CO which the blood absorbs depends chiefly on two things: how much CO is in the air and the length of time a person has been exposed. Adverse effects of CO on humans are reduced by periods of breathing fresh air. The degree of recovery depends on the number and length of those periods. The general state of health and degree of physical activity of a person exposed to CO are other factors involved in the effects of CO on the body.
For further information call: 1850 79 79 79 or visit www.carbonmonoxide.ie
