Carbon monoxide poisoning
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoningaren't always obvious, particularly during low-level exposure.
A tension-type headache is the most common symptom ofmild carbon monoxide poisoning.Other symptoms include:
The symptoms ofexposure to low levels of carbon monoxidecan be similar tothose of food poisoning and flu .But unlike flu,carbon monoxide poisoning doesn't cause a high temperature (fever).
The symptoms can gradually get worse with prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide, leading to a delay in diagnosis.
Your symptoms may be less severe when you're away from the source of the carbon monoxide. If this is the case you should investigate the possibility of a carbon monoxide leak, and ask a suitably qualified professional to check any appliances you think may be faulty and leaking gas.
The longer you inhalethe gas, the worse your symptoms will be. You may lose balance, vision and memory and, eventually, you may lose consciousness. This can happen within two hours if there's a lot ofcarbon monoxidein the air.
Long-term exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide can also lead to neurological symptoms, such as difficulty thinking or concentrating and frequent emotional changesfor example, becoming easily irritated, depressed or making impulsive or irrational decisions.
Breathing in high levels ofcarbon monoxidegas can cause more severe symptoms. These may include:
Read about carbon monoxide poisoning, including symptoms, causes, signs to look out for, what to do if you suspect a carbon monoxide leak, plus prevention advice.
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoningaren't always obvious, particularly during low-level exposure. A tension-type headache is the most common symptom ofmild carbon monoxide poisoning.Other symp
Carbon monoxideis produced whenfuels such asgas, oil, coal and wooddon't burn fully. Burning charcoal, running cars and the smoke fromcigarettes also produce carbon monoxide gas. Gas, oil, coal and
Seek medical advice fromyour GP if you think you've been exposed to low levels of carbon monoxide. Goimmediately to your local accident and emergency (A&E) department if you think you've been exp
Prolonged significant exposure to carbon monoxide can cause serious complications, including brain damage and heart problems. In very severe cases, it can result in death. Effects of severe carbon mo
It's important to be aware of the dangers and identify anyappliances in your housethat could potentiallyleak carbon monoxide. Maintaining and servicing appliances Boilers, cookers, heating systems a
If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds or you suspect a leak: stop using all appliances, switch them off,and open doors and windows to ventilate the property evacuate the property immediately st
It's very important to be aware of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and to look out for warning signs. You should suspect carbon monoxide poisoning if: other people in your house, flat or work