What is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas formed by the incomplete combustion of natural gas or petroleum. It is odourless, tasteless and silent.  It is therefore potentially deadly, as it is unable to be easily detected by hearing, seeing or smelling.

If carbon monoxide is inhaled, it binds with red blood cells, making it impossible for them to effectively carry oxygen around the body.  This then starves the organs and cells of the body of oxygen.  Without sufficient oxygen in the blood, the body cannot survive.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

The symptoms of mild poisoning are fairly non specific and are quite similar to colds and flu viruses: headaches, malaise, nausea, abdominal pain, dizziness, a sore throat and a cough. However crucially with this poisoning, the sufferer does not get a fever or raised temperature.

Severe Poisoning can be fatal. Symptoms include a fast irregular heartbeat, confusion, drowsiness and becoming unconscious. Seizures may also occur.

Key Things to look out for

Check to see if anyone else you live or work with is suffering the same symptoms. Do your symptoms go away when you leave the house or your place of work? Do your symptoms only appear when you are at home?  If any of these are happening you may be suffering with CO poisoning.

Causes of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

The most common causes are from faulty boilers and other gas appliances, blocked flues and chimneys. Solid fuels (wood, coal etc) and oil also produce carbon monoxide, as do motor car exhausts.

What should I do if I suspect I have been affected by Carbon monoxide?

• Firstly, open windows and doors to allow fresh air in.
• Turn off gas appliances and leave the house.
• Seek medical help immediately from your doctor or via the hospital. Let them know there is a possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning. 

If you suspect there has been a leak of gas call the Gas Emergency Helpline on 0800 111 999.

If you find someone that you suspect may have been subjected to Carbon Monoxide poisoning, ensure your own safety first, get them into fresh air and arrange urgent removal to hospital. If necessary perform CPR.

Minimising the Risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Ensure that your gas appliances are serviced regularly by a qualified Gas Safe Registered engineer.  Registered businesses may be found from the Gas Safe Register website.  Also make sure that all flues and chimneys are cleaned regularly, and at least prior to the onset of winter each year.

There is a wide range of carbon monoxide detectors available on the market which identify heightened levels of carbon monoxide in the room.  It is recommended that they are sited 1.5 metres (around 5 ft) off the ground.  Devices should be replaced every 5 years or so (or in line with manufacturers' instructions), and should not be located close to open fires, cookers etc.  Each floor in a building should have a detector.

CPR Training

You can learn how to carry out CPR with one of our standalone CPR training courses, or by attending or hosting one of our accredited first aid training courses, including the First Aid at Work or Emergency First Aid at Work courses, which both include CPR theory and practise.

Further information:

For more information, visit the Gas Safe Register's website.