Carbon Monoxide A quick Guide

Carbon Monoxide is a very toxic gas with no taste, no colour and no smell. Normal gas fire or boiler operation produces harmless gases but lack of oxygen can result in Co production. Properly balanced ventilation will result in Carbon Dioxide production, Carbon Monoxide Gas will result if the level of oxygen is restrained with reduced flow of air or a blocked flue. Building ordinances prescribing ventilation requirements and the widespread availability gas appliance service services has reduced the incidence of Carbon Monoxide Gas poisoning although there are still 30 deaths per year.

How can I see I have a Carbon Monoxide problem?

Carbon Monoxide output is often a result of incomplete burning and this can be seen as the deposit of soot discoloring areas near your gas appliances. You can also check pilot lights and other gas flames that ordinarily burn blue through an inspection chamber if fitted. Changes in the colour of the pilot burner suggest that all is not well with the gas appliance and it should be serviced as soon as time permits.

Can you do anything to reduce the chances of Co poisoning?

The underlying cause of Co production is lack of air to a gas flame. 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 gas engineer you hire to service your appliances has CORGI registration. You can now buy electronic, battery powered, Carbon Monoxide detectors which sound an alarm on detection of high levels of the gas. Air vents maintain the mandatory air flow to you gas appliances and it is crucial that these are kept free of any blockages as this could result in a reduced flow of air. Moving outside your property take a look at all ventilation ducts and air bricks to ensure that they have not been covered by plant growth. If ventilation is provided through a chimney this should be inspected throughout the year to confirm that it has not become blocked by debris or even a nest created by birds. It is important to be aware of the different noises from your smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide Gas detectors. In an emergency you need to be aware of the different noises so you know which detector was set off.

What will Carbon Monoxide Poisoning result in?

Co kills so do not take any risks if you suspect you may be suffering from breathing in of the gas. It is better to act quickly if you spot any signs as prevarication could lead to a death. Quick action can save your and your family’s lives. Carbon Monoxide poisoning strikes at all age groups, not just the old or debilitated. Your Animals could also be injured or worse.

What are the symptoms of Co poisoning?

You may observe common influenza like symptoms in someone who is actually suffering from Co inhalation with features like: -
- head aches which occur each day
- loss of balance
- fatigue
- billiousness

Stop using any gas appliances if you notice such symptoms and see to it that there is good air to the room. As a precaution ask everyone to empty the room and get the appliances inspected by a properly qualified (CORGI) plumber.

Carbon Monoxide Gas Carbon Monoxide Gas Carbon Monoxide is one of the most poisonous gases and it is indiscernible with no smell or taste. Normal gas fire or boiler operation produces harmless gases but lack of oxygen can result in Carbon Monoxide production. The standard flue gases from a gas boiler, or other gas appliance such as a gas fire, contain Carbon Dioxide, this is dislodged by Carbon Monoxide Gas when the oxygen levels are reduced. Building rules dictating air necessities and the widespread availability gas appliance service services has reduced the incidence of Carbon Monoxide poisoning although there are still 30 deaths per year. Will looking at my central heating appliances show me I have a Carbon Monoxide problem? One way of visually checking for likely problems is to check for marks of staining, sooting or discoloration on or around gas appliances, fires and water heaters. A yellow pilot is an indication of a problem in the gas burning chamber which may be induced by a lack of oxygen through poor air. You should call in a trained engineer to maintain your heating system if you notice that the pilot starts…...

A summary of the dangers of Co in the home 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…...

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