Many are killed each year, and many more suffer ill health from Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning. CO is an invisible, odourless, tasteless and extremely toxic gas. It is produced by appliances and vehicles burn- ing fuels, such as coal, oil, natural/bottled gas, paraffin, wood, petrol, diesel, charcoal etc. CO is absorbed by red blood cells in the lungs in preference to oxygen - this results in rapid damage to the heart and brain from oxygen starvation.
High levels of CO in a house can be caused by:
•Incorrectly or poorly installed
•Blocked or cracked chimneys/flues.
•Blocked vents or
•Engines of cars, lawnmowers etc. left running in confined spaces.
•Portable paraffin or gas heaters in badly ventilated rooms.
2.2 Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Most people know that high levels of CO are harmful, however the period of exposure is also important.
The following symptoms are related to Carbon Monoxide poisoning and should be discussed with all members of the household.
Mild Exposure: Slight headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue (often described as
Medium Exposure: Severe throbbing headache, drowsiness, confusion, fast heart rate.
Extreme Exposure: Unconsciousness, convulsions, cardiorespiratory failure, death.
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