Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
What causescarbon monoxide to leak?
Source: NHS
In this topic (8)
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 wood aresources of fuel used in many household appliances, including:
- boilers
- gas fires
- central heating systems
- water heaters
- cookers
- open fires
Incorrectly installed, poorly maintained or poorly ventilatedhousehold appliancessuch as cookers, heaters and central heating boilersare the most common causes of accidental exposure to carbon monoxide.
The risk of exposure tocarbon monoxidefrom portable devices may also be higher in caravans, boats and mobile homes.
Other possiblecauses of carbon monoxidepoisoning include:
- blocked flues and chimneys this can stop carbon monoxide escaping,allowing it to reach dangerous levels
- burning fuel in an enclosed or unventilated space for example, running a car engine, petrol-powered generator or barbecue inside a garage, or a faulty boiler in an enclosedkitchen
- faulty or blocked car exhausts a leakorblockage in the exhaust pipe, such as after heavy snowfall, could lead to a build-up of carbon monoxide
- paint fumes some cleaning fluids and paint removers contain methylene chloride (dichloromethane), whichcan cause carbon monoxidepoisoning ifbreathed in
- smoking shisha pipes indoors shisha pipes burn charcoal and tobacco, which can lead to a build-up of carbon monoxide in enclosed or unventilated rooms
Articles for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Being aware of the signs
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
Complications of carbon monoxide poisoning
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
Introduction
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.
Preventing carbon monoxide poisoning
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
Symptoms ofcarbon 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 symp
Treatingcarbon monoxide poisoning
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
What causescarbon monoxide to leak?
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
What to do if you suspect acarbon monoxide leak
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
