Carbon monoxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that has no smell or taste. Breathing it incan make youunwell, and it can kill if you're exposed to high levels.
Every year in the UK, more than 200 people go to hospital with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning,which leads toaround50 deaths.
After carbon monoxide is breathed in, it enters your bloodstream and mixes with haemoglobin (the part of red blood cells that carry oxygen around your body), to form carboxyhaemoglobin.
When this happens, the blood is no longer able to carry oxygen, and this lack of oxygen causes the bodys cells andtissue to fail and die.
This topic covers the following areas:
What to do if you suspect a CO leak
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