Carbon Monoxide - Silent Killer

No, it's not a mime artist with a silencer - this post is about CO or, for those of us who weren't paying attention in our chemistry lessons, Carbon Monoxide.


This week is Carbon Monoxide awareness week. You can't see it, you can't touch it, and you can't taste it, but CO kills around 40 people in the UK every year. A further 200 are hospitalised with suspected CO poisoning. The symptoms - headaches, dizziness, nausea, and breathlessness - could be mistaken for any number of other things, and by the time collapse and unconsciousness hit, it could already be too late. Even very low levels of carbon monoxide, when breathed in over an extended period of time, can cause serious long term problems like paralysis and brain damage.

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is created by the incomplete burning of fuel - fire needs oxygen, but in an enclosed environment as the oxygen is used up it is replaced with carbon dioxide. If you get a build up of carbon dioxide the fuel isn't able to burn away fully and that's when you get carbon monoxide. The chief causes of build up are blocked ventilation, and incorrectly fitted and / or badly maintained gas appliances.

For more on the science behind it all, check out this video on YouTube. When you breathe CO in it prevents your red blood cells from carrying oxygen, which is what will result in death if left unchecked.

It COuld Happen To You

I live in Cwmbran, a town that has seen more than its fair share of carbon monoxide related tragedy over the last decade. In 2005 14-year-old Alex Mitchell was found dead by her mother - the 'rogue' tradesman who fitted their gas fire was later jailed for two years. (There is a Facebook awareness page for her HERE, and there is an annual 'Alex's Shield' award given to a Fairwater High pupil who excels in music.) Then in 2009 18-year-old Jordan Ball and 19-year-old Dean Lewis died of carbon monoxide poisoning; the culprit was a faulty gas heater in the summer house they were sleeping in after a night out. I never knew them - but I could have, and that is a sobering thought.

How can I stay safe?

The most important thing is to make sure your appliances are installed and then regularly serviced.by a Gas Safe registered engineer. In the last three years 1/6 of homes inspected by the Gas Safe Register had an unsafe gas appliance, and 1/11 had an unsafe boiler. CORGI Home Plan found that 7% of UK boilers have never been serviced at all. Don't be another shocking statistic! Get yourself a carbon monoxide alarm - they work in a way similar to a traditional smoke alarm, and can be taken with you on holiday for extra peace of mind. CO alarms need to be replaced every five years or so, and you should check the batteries regularly.

If you think you have inhaled carbon monoxide gas, you need to turn off your appliance and leave the house. Once out in the fresh air ring the National Gas Emergency Helpline (it covers gas and CO leaks) on 0800 111 999.




CORGI Home Plan are raising awareness of carbon monoxide by asking How often do you check yours? They are also giving away a FireAngel carbon monoxide alarm to one lucky reader! You can get up to five entries by filling out the Gleam form below:

This competition has now ended.