What You Should Know About Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless, tasteless and colourless gas that is produced when an item with high carbon content is combusted. It is a highly toxic and potentially deadly gas, which is why it is often referred to as a silent killer. Carbon monoxide is produced through incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels, such as petrol, natural gas, wood, coal and oil.

The main sources of carbon monoxide in indoor environments include faulty gas heating systems, gas ovens, fireplaces (wood, gas or coal), paraffin heaters, portable generators and vehicles running in enclosed spaces (e.g., garages). When these fuels burn incompletely, they release carbon monoxide into the air.

What Is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when an individual inhales high levels of carbon monoxide (CO) gas, leading to the formation of carboxyhemoglobin in the bloodstream. Carboxyhemoglobin is a compound that forms when carbon monoxide binds to haemoglobin in red blood cells, displacing oxygen and preventing its normal transport to body tissues.

As a result of this oxygen deprivation, various organs, especially the brain and heart, may not receive enough oxygen to function properly. The severity of carbon monoxide poisoning depends on the concentration of CO in the air and the duration of exposure.

Common Symptoms Of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

As carbon monoxide cannot be seen or smelled, it’s not immediately obvious that you are inhaling it. Therefore, you may not realise that there is a problem until you start showing the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. According to the NHS, these include:

• Headaches.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Dizziness.
• Muscle and chest pain.
• Confusion.
• Feeling weak.
• Shortness of breath.

If you suspect you are suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, you should:

• Turn off the appliance you believe to be leaking carbon monoxide (if possible).
• Let fresh air into the building by opening doors and windows.
• Leave the building and go straight outside.
• Seek medical advice at the earliest opportunity.

If exposed to very high levels of carbon monoxide or exposed for an extended period, individuals can experience severe symptoms, including unconsciousness, seizures, cardiac arrest or even death.

How Is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Treated?

If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, a doctor will arrange for tests to be carried out. This will be a priority if:

• You are pregnant.
• You have a lung or heart condition.
• You are anaemic.
• You have passed out, are struggling to breathe or have suffered any other symptoms of severe CO poisoning.

After your blood has been tested (to check the level of carbon monoxide present), you may be given oxygen via a mask to relieve your symptoms.

How To Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning At Home

Preventing carbon monoxide poisoning at home involves a combination of awareness, regular maintenance, and the installation of appropriate safety measures. Here are 10 tips to help protect yourself and your family from carbon monoxide exposure:

1. Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors
   Place carbon monoxide detectors on each floor of your home, especially near sleeping areas. These devices can alert you if there is a carbon monoxide leak, giving you time to evacuate and seek help. Choose detectors certified to the British Standard EN 50291 and make sure to test them regularly.
2. Proper Ventilation
   Ensure proper ventilation in areas where fuel-burning appliances are used, such as the kitchen, boiler room, or fireplace area. Ventilation helps to prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide in confined spaces. Make sure all gas-burning appliances are installed by Gas Safe registered engineers.
3. Carry Out Regular Maintenance
   Schedule annual maintenance and inspections for all fuel-burning appliances, including boilers, water heaters, ovens, fireplaces and chimneys. Qualified engineers or technicians should conduct these checks to ensure proper functioning and detect any potential issues.
4. Use Appliances As Intended
   Never use fuel-burning appliances, such as stoves or ovens, as a primary source of indoor heating. These appliances are not designed for continuous use, and improper usage can lead to carbon monoxide buildup.
5. Avoid Indoor Use Of Outdoor Appliances
   Never use outdoor barbecues, camping stoves or portable generators indoors, as they can produce significant amounts of carbon monoxide in enclosed spaces.
6. Properly Vent Gas Appliances
   If you use gas appliances, make sure that flues and chimneys are adequately vented to carry exhaust gases outside the home. If you use a Gas Safe registered engineer when appliances are installed, they will check that any ventilation conforms to the required safety standards.
7. Hire A Chimney Sweep Annually
   If you have an open fireplace, you should have your chimney swept by a professional regularly. The National Association of Chimney Sweeps (NACs) advises that this should be done quarterly when burning wood or bituminous coal or annually for other fuels.
8. Be Cautious with Cars
   Never leave a running car engine in an enclosed garage, even with the garage door open. Always open the garage door first before starting the engine, and avoid running vehicles or generators close to open windows.
9. Educate Family Members
   Teach everybody in your household about the dangers of carbon monoxide and the importance of recognising its symptoms. Make sure they know what to do if they suspect carbon monoxide poisoning.
10. Plan For Emergencies
    Have a carbon monoxide emergency plan in place, including knowing how to evacuate the home quickly if your carbon monoxide alarm goes off and where to seek medical attention if needed.

By taking these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and create a safer living environment for you and your family.

If you live in a rented property, many of the steps listed above will be your landlord’s responsibility. You will need to tell them about any problems as soon as you’re aware of them and they must act swiftly to repair any faults that could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

How Employers Can Reduce The Risk Of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Employers have a duty of care to keep their staff safe while they’re at work. This means they’ll need to take precautions to try and prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in the workplace. They can do this by taking the following steps:

1. Install carbon monoxide detectors in areas with fuel-burning equipment and confined spaces.
2. Regularly maintaining and inspecting fuel-burning equipment to prevent leaks and malfunctions.
3. Provide proper ventilation in areas where exhaust gases may accumulate.
4. Educate and train employees about carbon monoxide dangers, symptoms, and safe practices.
5. Prohibit indoor use of outdoor equipment like generators, mowers or power tools.
6. Monitor air quality in confined spaces.
7. Implement exhaust control measures to capture and remove fumes.
8. Create clear emergency response plans and conduct safety drills.
9. Comply with health and safety regulations related to carbon monoxide.

Can I Claim Compensation For Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

There are some cases where it may be appropriate for you to claim compensation for suffering caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. Some examples include:

• Rented accommodation: Whether you rent from the council, a housing association or a private landlord, the owner of your property has a legal duty of care to ensure your home is safe. With regards to CO poisoning, this means they should a) install and check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and b) carry out annual gas safety checks of the property. You could sue if you’ve been made ill because your landlord failed to meet their legal obligations.
• In your own home: While your home is your responsibility, you may have grounds to sue for carbon monoxide poisoning in some cases. For example, if a gas boiler was installed incorrectly and allowed carbon monoxide to build up in your home, you may have grounds to sue the installer.
• At Work: As described above, your employer must take preventative steps to try and keep your workplace as safe as possible. This means that if you’ve suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning as a result of your employer’s negligence, it might be possible to start a personal injury claim.

Essentially, if somebody else has made a mistake or acted negligently and that has resulted in you or your family suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, you may be entitled to seek damages.

For more information on carbon monoxide compensation claims please refer to our page here.

Summary

Although carbon monoxide is a very dangerous substance, the risks of carbon monoxide can be greatly reduced with the correct preventative measures. These shouldn’t be a one-off step though. Regular inspections and maintenance of appliances and devices that burn fuel should continue to happen to prevent you from becoming seriously ill.