Carbon Monoxide (or CO) is an odourless, colorless, and tasteless gas produced by any material burning incompletely. Using materials for heating, such as coal or charcoal, creates high carbon monoxide levels when burnt in fireplaces or barbecues.
Carbon monoxide can build up in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces like rooms, houses, garages, and sheds. Both people and animals in these spaces can be poisoned by breathing CO in. Carbon Monoxide becomes extremely dangerous when it accumulates within these improperly ventilated areas. The CO results in these scenarios are dire, with the potential to cause irreversible damage to our bodies and, in extreme cases, death.
What are the risks of Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide can cause poisoning when a person inhales the combustion fumes. When too much carbon monoxide is in the air you’re breathing in; your body replaces oxygen in your red blood cells with carbon monoxide. This prevents oxygen from reaching your tissues and organs, resulting in damage that can be irreparable.
It is crucial to recognise the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning as it could help you to save yourself and your family before the gas has a chance to cause irreversible damage. Keep an eye out for any of the following:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of consciousness
How do you protect yourself from Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon Monoxide is emitted from any appliance that is not well maintained and in good working order. If your devices are not maintained and serviced regularly, you are putting yourself and those around you at risk of CO Poisoning.
In Winter, we use our heaters far more frequently. If gas heaters and appliances go untested, the risk of Carbon Monoxide being present increases drastically. Due to the fact CO is odourless and colourless, any time you have a gas heater operating close to people, a simple unseen fault in the heater can pose a real and immediate risk to human life. Examining & inspecting the levels of CO gas in your home or business is vital for good health.
The best way to prevent and protect against Carbon Monoxide Poisoning is to test for the presence of CO every two years at the absolute minimum.
The efficient and experienced team at Plan B Plumbing will test all of the appliances in your home that could be a potential source of carbon monoxide. These may include:
- Gas or kerosene heaters
- Gas-fueled appliances or space heaters
- Gas ranges and stoves
- Gas or wood-burning fireplaces
- Any fireplaces lacking ventilation
