What Is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
For those who ask what is carbon monoxide poisoning, they should know that the effects of one of the deadliest gases around can be at worse fatal, and at best, lead to serious health problems.
Ideally, fuels such as gas, coal and wood burn cleanly and provide heat for the home and office without any problems.
But when an appliance is not serviced regularly, or indeed, not installed, or repaired properly, then you’ve got potential danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Known by the initials CO, carbon monoxide is so deadly because it’s a poisonous gas that cannot be smelt, seen, or tasted.
This is why the authorities come down hard on people who think that they can install, service and repair gas appliances without the necessary training and paperwork. It should be remembered that the law states that only those engineers on the Safe Gas Register can do such work on a gas appliance. Gas boilers and fires, and other such fuelled appliances, cannot be DIY tasks. And you do so at your peril.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur even if you breathe in small amounts of the gas. What’s more, exposure to the gas over a of period of time, can lead to serious health problems such as paralysis and brain damage.
So everyone should try and be aware of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Simply put, the symptoms can be similar to those suffering from tiredness, food poisoning, flu and all number of viral infections. People with such symptoms, who live in homes with gas appliances, should always ask themselves whether their diagnosis is right. Of course, some common sense is required, but it is worth being aware that exposure to carbon monoxide can happen over a period of time from a faulty gas appliance. This is why appliances should be regularly serviced and regularly checked for faults.
Six of the main things that you may be suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning are: dizziness, headaches, breathlessness, nausea, collapse and loss of consciousness.
Now there are some clues as to whether a home-based appliance might be the cause of such symptoms. It may be that you have similar symptoms to above, but only when at home. It may be that you feel better once you’ve left home, but the symptoms return when you go back home. Or that others around you in the house appear to have the same symptoms and this goes for pets as well.
If you suspect that you are suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, to whatever degree, take immediate steps. Open all doors and windows immediately, turn off all appliances, and leave the house, and alert your energy company if you suspect a leak. Do not return until a qualified gas engineer has checked your appliances. And see a doctor to check you over for a signs of poisoning.
With CO, always err on the side of caution.
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