The perils of Co
The perils of Co
Leaving no smell and having no taste Carbon Monoxide Gas is very dangerous and toxic. Carbon Monoxide can be produced by a central heating appliance when there is insufficient oxygen in the air supply to the combustion chamber, it is also created by faulty gas fires and other gas appliances. The stock flue gases from a gas appliance, or other gas appliance such as a gas fire, contain Carbon Dioxide, this is dislodged by Carbon Monoxide when the oxygen levels are reduced. Tragically there are thirty Carbon Monoxide Gas poisoning deaths every year and many more injuries although this could be worse without the implementation of ventilation guidelines and adoption of regular central heating appliance servicing.
Can I observe my boilers to see if Co could be a problem?
Gas combustion in an oxygen poor atmosphere can produce visible sediments which can discolour gas appliances and the walls surrounding them. Poor air can reduce the volume of oxygen available to burn gas within a gas appliance resulting in the production of Carbon Dioxide, in these conditions a pilot may change from burning with the usual blue colouring to a yellowish colouration. You should call in a trained engineer to maintain your gas appliances if you notice that the pilot starts to burn with a yellowish light.
How do I protect my family from Carbon Monoxide and likely poisoning?
Bad ventilation resulting in lack of oxygen leads to the production of poisonous Carbon Monoxide Gas. Gas appliance combustion problems can be avoided by adopting a regular appliance servicing schedule by trained appliance engineers. Any plumber you contract to service your gas appliances should be CORGI-registered which will ensure that they have the training required to complete the task to the required standards. You can now buy electronic, battery powered, Carbon Monoxide detectors which sound an alarm on detection of high levels of the gas. Gas appliances require enough ventilation and you should check that this is satisfactory, one particular danger area is the covering up of air vents in the summer through home decorating and the storage of surplus items. Moving outside your property take a look at all ventilation ducts and air bricks to see to it that they have not been covered by plant growth. If your home has a chimney to provide appliance ventilation look out for birds nests in the spring as the creation of a nest in a chimney which is not being used in the warm weather could completely block the air when required in the winter. see to it that you are aware of the different noises from your smoke alarms and your Carbon Monoxide Gas alarms. If the Carbon Monoxide detector alarm sounds be certain that it was your Carbon Monoxide detector and not your smoke detector.
What are the risks with Carbon Monoxide poisoning?
Act quickly and be very cautious if there are any signs of Co inhalation in your family. It is better to act quickly if you spot any signs as prevarication could lead to a death. Be decisive and look after your home straight away. Any member of the household can be affected by Carbon Monoxide Gas regardless of their age. Your Favourite animals could also be injured or worse.
Does Co poisoning exhibit any signs?
Carbon Monoxide Gas poisoning exhibits symptoms which can appear like other sicknesses, for example: -
- repetative head aches
- balance troubles
- fatigue
- upset stomach and sickness
A CORGI certified service engineer should be brought in to scrutinize your gas appliances if you notice these symptoms in your household. Whilst waiting for the engineer to arrive you should see to it that you have opened the windows and everyone has left the home.