A summary of the dangers of Co in the home

Carbon Monoxide is one of the most poisonous gases and it is undetectable with no smell or taste. Bad ventilation to a gas boiler can lead to the production of this gas. Co2 is the normal output from a boiler but this can be superseded by Co with reduced ventilation or a blocked flue. Building ordinances prescribing ventilation prerequisites and the widespread accessibility gas appliance servicing services has reduced the incidence of Carbon Monoxide Gas poisoning although there are still thirty deaths per year.

What will I observe if I have a Carbon Monoxide issue in my home?

Gas combustion in an oxygen poor atmosphere can produce visible sediments which can color gas appliances and the walls surrounding them. Poor air can reduce the volume of oxygen available to burn gas within a central heating appliance resulting in the production of Co2, in these circumstances a pilot burner may change from burning with the usual blue coloring to a yellowed colouration. If the pilot light in your system starts burning yellowed you should have the gas appliance serviced by a trained engineer without delay.

Tell me how to reduce the chances of Carbon Monoxide Gas related illness.

Co is output from a gas boiler when there is not enough oxygen available for the flame to burn all the gas in the combustion chamber. Gas appliance engineers will check the ventilation and burning efficiency of your gas appliances during the regular maintenance visits eliminating the causes of poor burning. To guarantee compliance with the gas appliance servicing ordinances make sure that the plumber you hire to service your appliances has CORGI registration. Fitting a Carbon Monoxide detector with an audible alarm is also a valuable investment to provide early warning of possible Co poisoning. Gas appliances require enough air and you should check that this is satisfactory, one particular danger area is the covering up of ventilation vents in the summer through home decorating and the storage of surplus items. Gas appliances and boilers may not be used in the summer months but air vents can become closed up at this time through the growth of plants and vegetation in the garden, this is a potential problem which you should keep in mind. flue ventilation can become blocked in the summertime by a birds nest and you may not notice id a fire is not used in the summer so a visual inspection should be incorporated in your household maintenance plans. Know the difference between the sound of smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide alarms. If the Carbon Monoxide detector alarm goes off make sure it is your Carbon Monoxide Gas detector and not your smoke detector.

What are the risks with Carbon Monoxide Gas poisoning?

Carbon Monoxide Gas is poisonous so you should be very careful. It is easy to read about Carbon Monoxide signs and convince yourself that it is not applicable to your situation, protect your health and seek professional advice. Be decisive and look after your family straight away. Carbon Monoxide Gas poisoning strikes at all age groupings, not just the old or feeble. This also applies to home Animals.

Are there any warning marks of the presence of Carbon Monoxide Gas?

You may observe common flu like signs in somebody who is actually suffering from Carbon Monoxide inhalation with features like: -
- ongoing headaches
- light headiness
- loss of energy
- nausea

If you notice symptoms such as these when you have gas appliances in the house, stop using the appliance without delay, step-up ventilation to the rooms, take any inhabitants outside and see to it that your gas appliances are inspected by a CORGI registered gas engineer.

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