Some of these symptoms will only come from inhaling high levels of carbon monoxide but can have potentially fatal results.
Over an extended period of carbon monoxide exposure, some of the following symptoms may occur: The effects of carbon monoxide exposure get worse over time, meaning early detection is vital. If you’ve experienced these early symptoms or know you’ve been exposed to low levels of carbon monoxide, you should seek medical advice from your GP. Some people often describe the early symptoms of exposure as being flu-like, or even feeling like being hungover. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and they can’t be explained by any other reason, such as another illness you’re already aware of, or you immediately feel better when leaving the property, there’s a chance you’ve been or are being exposed to carbon monoxide. There are several symptoms caused by carbon monoxide poisoning including: This process makes it impossible for your blood to carry oxygen around the body, leading to illness, tissue and cell failure and, from long term exposure, potential paralysis and brain damage. This creates carboxyhaemoglobin, with a level of 30% of carboxyhaemoglobin indicating severe exposure. Why is carbon monoxide dangerous?Īfter you’ve inhaled carbon monoxide, it enters your bloodstream and begins to mix with the haemoglobin. If you suspect a leak, call the National Gas Emergency number on 0800 111 999*. You see or smell smoke or have excessive condensation in the room where you have a gas appliance.There is soot or yellow-brown staining on or around an appliance.Gas flame appears ‘floppy’ and burns orange or yellow rather than mostly blue.
If you spot any of the signs below, it doesn’t definitely mean that there is a release of carbon monoxide, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Having working audible carbon monoxide alarms in your home and learning to spot the physical signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning is essential in minimising the health risks posed by a leak. Further to that, you can’t see, hear, taste or touch the gas either - this is part of the reason it’s known as ‘The Silent Killer’.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an incredibly poisonous gas that poses a serious threat to health if exposure occurs and each year there are around 40 deaths in England and Wales from carbon monoxide poisoning.īelow, you’ll find information on what makes carbon monoxide a danger, where it comes from, and how you can minimise the chances of a carbon monoxide leak and exposure in your home, from adjoining premises, or a whole host of other locations.įirst off, if you suspect that you may have a carbon monoxide leak in your property, call the National Gas Emergency number on 0800 111 999*. The dangers of a carbon monoxide leak in the home can be a scary thought, especially as it can’t be detected by smell, taste or sight.
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