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 to burn with a yellowed light.
What do people do to avoid the chances of Co inhalation and subsequent illness?
The underlying cause of Carbon Monoxide production is lack of ventilation to a gas flame. Gas appliance engineers will check the air and combustion efficiency of your gas appliances during the regular maintenance visits eliminating the causes of poor combustion. Any engineer you contract to service your gas appliances should be CORGI-registered which will ensure that they have the training required to complete the task to the required standards. Carbon Monoxide detectors can give a warning of abnormal Carbon Monoxide Gas levels, models with a loud alarm are the most effective at warning the inhabitants of the home. Provision of the suggested air to gas appliances is essential and you should regularly scrutinise any ventilation vents to ensure that the flow of air can be maintained. Gas appliances and gas boilers may not be used in the summer months but air vents can become obstructed at this time through the growth of plants and vegetation in the garden, this is a likely problem which you should keep in mind. If your home has a flue to provide appliance air look out for birds nests in the spring as the creation of a nest in a chimney which is not being used in the warm weather could totally block the ventilation when required in the winter. Know the difference between the sound of smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide Gas alarms. If the Carbon Monoxide detector alarm goes off make sure it is your Carbon Monoxide detector and not your smoke detector.
What is the impact of Co poisoning on people?
If you suspect there is Carbon Monoxide Gas in your home you should err on the side of caution. There are no second chances with intoxication from this gas so do not delay if you suspect anything. Quick action can save your and your family’s lives. Carbon Monoxide Gas poisoning strikes at all age groups, not just the older or infirm. It is common for Animals to be harmed in the same way as humans.
What should I look for as early marks of poisoning from Carbon Monoxide?
You may observe common influenza like symptoms in someone who is actually suffering from Carbon Monoxide inhalation with characteristics like: -
- headaches which happen day-after-day
- queasiness
- weariness
- urge to vomit
If you notice signs such as these when you have gas appliances in the house, stop using the appliance without delay, step-up air to the rooms, take any inhabitants outdoors and see to it that your gas appliances are inspected by a CORGI registered service plumber.
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