Co Some knowledge and safety help
Co Some knowledge and safety help
Leaving no smell and having no taste Carbon Monoxide is very dangerous and poisonous. Normal gas fire or central heating appliance operation produces harmless gases but lack of oxygen can result in Co production. Properly balanced air will result in Co2 production, Co will result if the degree of oxygen is restrained with reduced air flow or a blocked flue. Building ordinances dictating air requirements and the widespread availability gas appliance servicing services has reduced the relative incidence of Carbon Monoxide poisoning although there are still 30 deaths per year.
How can I see I have a Carbon Monoxide problem?
One way of visually checking for possible problems is to check for signs of staining, sooting or discolouration on or around gas appliances, fires and water heaters. Another way to check for gas burning problems is to inspect pilot lights and see whether they are burning with a yellowed or other colour flame rather than the blue light of a well maintained system. If the pilot burner in your system starts burning yellow you should have the boiler serviced by a trained engineer without delay.
Tell me how to reduce the chances of Carbon Monoxide related illness.
Bad air resulting in lack of oxygen leads to the production of poisonous Carbon Monoxide Gas. Checking the components of the exhaust gases should be a standard part of a gas appliance maintenance visit from a trained engineer and this will give early advice of any ventilating system issues. A CORGI-registered plumber should be employed to service your gas appliances. You can now buy electronic, battery powered, Co detectors which sound an alarm on detection of high levels of the gas. Gas appliances require adequate ventilation 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 warehousing of surplus items. On many occasions air reviews have discovered air vents which have been blocked by fast growing plants and you should look for this throughout the growing season. If air 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. Know the difference between the sound of smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide alarms. If the Carbon Monoxide Gas detector alarm goes off make sure it is your Carbon Monoxide Gas detector and not your smoke detector.
What is the impact of Carbon Monoxide poisoning on people?
Act quickly and be very cautious if there are any signs of Carbon Monoxide inhalation in your family. Do not study this or other articles and form your own opinion. Be decisive and look after your home straight away. Co poisoning strikes at all age groupings, not just the older or feeble. Pets can also be impacted.
What should I look for as leading signs of poisoning from Co?
The symptoms of Co poisoning can often be confused with other flu like illnesses and include:-
- frequent head aches
- dizziness
- extreme tiredness
- urge to vomit
A CORGI certified service plumber should be brought in to scrutinise your gas appliances if you notice these symptoms in your household. Whilst waiting for the plumber to arrive you should check that you have opened the windows and everyone has left the household.