Carbon monoxide is given off by gas-, oil-, coal-, or wood-burning appliances if they are faulty, the room is badly ventilated, or the chimney or flue is blocked. At least 50 people die in the UK every year from carbon monoxide poisoning, and many more are hospitalised. Even in small amounts, this invisible, odourless gas is harmful.

Spotting the Danger Signs

Carbon monoxide causes:

• coal or wood fires to burn slowly or go out
• sooty stains to appear on or just above appliances
• gas flames, which usually burn blue, to burn yellow or orange

Symptoms

If you feel drowsy or develop headaches, chest pains, giddiness, nausea, or diarrhoea and stomach pains when there is no obvious cause, carbon monoxide could be affecting you. Turn off all your appliances and see a doctor immediately.

Protecting Yourself

• Get your boiler and gas appliances serviced annually by an engineer who is a member of the Council for Registered Gas Installers (CORGI).
• Have chimneys swept regularly.
• Keep your home properly ventilated.
• Never let vents or outside flues become blocked, by climbing plants, for example.
• Consider fitting a carbon monoxide detector.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

• Buy one that complies with the British Standard BS 7860.
• Fit the detector on the ceiling or wall in any room that contains a boiler, fire, or water heater.
• Place it above door and window height and at least 15 cm (6 in) from corners.
• Test the alarm to judge whether it is loud enough to wake you. If you don't think it would wake you, fit a second alarm closer to your bedroom.