Carbon Monoxide could call in your home
Carbon Monoxide could call in your home
Co is highly toxic and cannot be smelled or tasted. Normal gas fire or boiler functioning produces harmless gases but lack of oxygen can result in Carbon Monoxide Gas production. The standard flue gases from a gas boiler, or other gas appliance such as a gas fire, contain Co2, this is dislodged by Carbon Monoxide when the oxygen levels are reduced. With high standards of central heating appliance servicing and strict air regulations the number of people killed by Carbon Monoxide has reduced to thirty people each year although many more are seriously injured.
Can you distinguish a Co problem if you look at your gas appliances?
If you see stains, lampblack or coloration on or near gas appliances, fires and water heaters this could indicate that you have a possible problem. Another way to check for gas burning problems is to scrutinise pilot lights and see whether they are burning with a yellowish or other colour flame rather than the blue light of a well maintained system. You should call in a trained engineer to maintain your gas boilers if you notice that the pilot burner starts to burn with a yellowed light.
Tell me how to reduce the chances of Co related illness.
Carbon Monoxide is output from a gas boiler when there is not enough oxygen available for the flame to burn all the gas in the burning chamber. On the assumption that there are no design faults in the air of your central heating appliance, frequent central heating appliance and gas appliance servicing will help to avoid any troubles which could lead to the output of Carbon Monoxide. A CORGI-registered engineer should be employed to service your gas appliances. As a second, very important, line of defence, fit a British Standard approved Co detector with an audible alarm. You should also keep air vents in doors, walls or windows clear – never cover them up to prevent draughts. Gas appliances and central heating may not be used in the summer months but air vents can become closed up at this time through the growth of plants and vegetation in the garden, this is a potential problem which you should keep in mind. chimney ventilation can become obstructed in the summertime by a birds nest and you may not notice id a fire is not used in the summer so a visual inspection should be incorporated in your household maintenance plans. Smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide Gas detectors make different sounds. You should see to it that your household are aware of the differences so that they take the correct action when one of your detectors is triggered off.
What will Co Poisoning result in?
Act quickly and be very cautious if there are any signs of Co inhalation in your family. signs can be similar to other sicknesses so act quickly if you have any doubts. Take action to protect yourself and your home quickly. Carbon Monoxide poisoning strikes at all age groupings, not just the old or enfeebled. Your Favourite animals could also be injured or worse.
Are there any warning signs of the presence of Carbon Monoxide Gas?
Co poisoning exhibits signs which can appear like other sicknesses, for example: -
- head aches which come about daily
- balance troubles
- weariness
- urge to vomit
Stop using any gas appliances if you notice such symptoms and see to it that there is good air to the room. As a precaution ask everyone to leave the room and get the appliances inspected by a properly qualified (CORGI) plumber.