Tuesday 17th November 2020

Carbon monoxide (CO) is often referred to as ‘The Silent Killer’ because you can’t smell, hear or see it. It is a highly toxic gas which can have devastating consequences on your health. With over 4000 people attending A&E departments due to carbon monoxide poisoning in England each year, knowing the symptoms could save your life.

The Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide can cause severe symptoms and even death if not detected quickly. CO poisoning symptoms are very similar to that of a common cold or flu, which is a big reason why mild symptoms can also be mistaken for a hangover. Protect yourself and others from carbon monoxide by looking out for these symptoms:

Effects of Carbon Monoxide Exposure

Severe Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Severe carbon monoxide poisoning may lead to long-term neurological problems, with disturbances in memory, language, cognition, mood and behaviour. This causes damage to the basal ganglia, which may lead to a movement disorder resembling Parkinson’s disease.

Delayed deterioration in neurological condition is an unusual feature of severe carbon monoxide poisoning. This can occur any time from a few days to as long as five to six weeks after the initial exposure to carbon monoxide. The reason for this is not entirely clear.

Long-term Carbon Monoxide Exposure

Chronic exposure to lower levels of carbon monoxide may go unrecognised. The symptoms include milder versions of those seen in acute CO poisoning. Headache, nausea, dizziness, light-headedness, fatigue and sleepiness, difficulty concentrating and memory problems, as well as changes in mood are all symptoms of this.

People are often unable to identify exactly what is the matter despite being aware that something is wrong. They may attribute the problems to overwork, stress or depression. If symptoms disappear while away at work and reappear on returning home, or if other people in the same premises develop similar symptoms, it may become more obvious that there is an environmental cause.

Removing the source of carbon monoxide results in most people recovering from chronic low-level carbon monoxide exposure. However, it can also lead to the brain being starved from oxygen. This can have devastating short term and long term effects.

Treatment for CO Poisoning

Treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning involves immediate removal of the carbon monoxide source, and administration of 100% oxygen together with general supportive medical care.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is sometimes advocated for severe cases of carbon monoxide poisoning. This involves giving your lungs much more oxygen than would be possible by breathing pure oxygen at normal air pressure. It has been suggested that this may improve the long-term neurological outcome, although it remains controversial. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a specialised technique which is only available in a few centres. It may also be associated with complications of its own and it is not used routinely.

Protect Yourself from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

1. Be in the know about carbon monoxide. Would you be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning? Learn how to spot the dangers, signs and symptoms of CO poisoning and help to educate those around you. Findings by the Gas Safe Register in 2019 revealed that only one in five respondents said they would be aware of a carbon monoxide leak in their homes if they felt unwell.
2. Have your gas or solid fuel appliances serviced regularly. According to the latest UK inspection figures from Gas Safe Register, 5.5 million homes in the UK have unsafe gas appliances. When did you last have your appliance checked? If you rent, your landlord must have a gas safety certificate for all gas appliances to comply with regulations.
3. Install a carbon monoxide alarm where required. It is recommended that a CO alarm be installed in every room in the house containing an appliance that could leak carbon monoxide gas. Is your home covered? Check with vulnerable friends, family or neighbours to see if they need help installing a carbon monoxide alarm. If you rent and you have a gas appliance, your landlord is legally required to provide a working carbon monoxide alarm.

Who is Most at Risk?

Lower income households are more at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, recent studies have shown. Research carried out by the National Energy Action charity and the Gas Safety Trust found that 35% of low income and vulnerable households surveyed exceeded the 10ppm threshold for carbon monoxide levels, indicating levels of carbon monoxide that are harmful with prolonged exposure. This can have adverse effects on the body and brain.

Over 60s were also found to be particularly vulnerable to CO poisoning. This could be attributed to the likelihood of them spending more time at home and feeling the cold, resulting in regular appliance use to stay warm. Elderly people, or those with respiratory problems, are also more at risk from the effects of carbon monoxide. They become ill more quickly, with symptoms being similar to those of flu or food poisoning, a headache, nausea and dizziness. These symptoms are usually attributed to those common illnesses rather than to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Other groups shown to be disproportionately affected by CO poisoning include pregnant women, young children, anyone with an existing respiratory condition and elderly people.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the symptoms of chronic low level carbon monoxide poisoning?

Chronic low level carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms can be subtle and easily overlooked. You might experience milder versions of acute poisoning symptoms, including headaches, nausea, dizziness, light-headedness, fatigue and sleepiness. Difficulty concentrating, memory problems and mood changes are also common with chronic low level carbon monoxide exposure. These symptoms often develop gradually and may be mistaken for stress, depression or general illness. A key indicator of chronic low level carbon monoxide poisoning is that symptoms typically improve when you leave the affected environment and return when you come back. If you suspect chronic low level carbon monoxide poisoning, it’s essential to have your appliances checked and install carbon monoxide detectors in your home.

What are the long-term, low-level carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms to watch for?

Long-term low-level carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms can significantly impact your daily life without you realising the cause. You may experience persistent headaches, ongoing fatigue, unexplained nausea, dizziness and difficulty thinking clearly. Long term low level carbon monoxide poisoning can also cause mood changes and memory problems that you might attribute to stress or other health issues. These symptoms often fluctuate, possibly improving when you’re away from home and worsening upon return. If left unaddressed, long term low level carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to more serious neurological issues. Protecting yourself requires regular appliance maintenance and installing carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with fuel-burning appliances.

How dangerous are low levels of carbon monoxide in house environments?

Low levels of carbon monoxide in house settings can pose significant health risks, especially with prolonged exposure. When your home contains low levels of carbon monoxide, you may develop symptoms gradually, making it difficult to identify the source of your discomfort. According to research cited, 35% of low-income and vulnerable households exceeded the 10ppm threshold for carbon monoxide levels, which can be harmful with extended exposure. Low levels of carbon monoxide in house environments can affect your brain and body over time, potentially leading to neurological issues. Certain groups, including elderly people, pregnant women, young children and those with respiratory conditions, are particularly vulnerable to even low levels of carbon monoxide. To protect your household, ensure all fuel-burning appliances are regularly serviced and install carbon monoxide detectors in every room containing such appliances.

What happens when you’re exposed to low levels of carbon monoxide?

When you’re exposed to low levels of carbon monoxide, your body may react in ways that are easy to misattribute to other conditions. Being exposed to low levels of carbon monoxide often results in mild symptoms that resemble common illnesses like colds, flu or general fatigue. You might experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, difficulty concentrating, memory problems and unexplained mood changes. The danger of being exposed to low levels of carbon monoxide is that these subtle symptoms can persist for long periods without you connecting them to a potential carbon monoxide leak. Many people are unable to identify exactly what is wrong despite feeling unwell. A telling sign is when symptoms disappear while you’re away from home and reappear upon return. If you suspect you’re being exposed to low levels of carbon monoxide, immediate action is necessary, including proper ventilation, appliance maintenance and installing carbon monoxide detectors.

What are the safe carbon monoxide levels in UK homes?

Carbon monoxide levels in the UK are a significant concern, with research highlighting particular risks for vulnerable populations. According to studies conducted by the National Energy Action charity and the Gas Safety Trust, 35% of low income and vulnerable households in the UK exceeded the 10ppm threshold for carbon monoxide levels. This level indicates the presence of carbon monoxide, which can be harmful with prolonged exposure. Carbon monoxide levels in UK homes should ideally be zero, as any presence of this gas can potentially cause health issues over time. The Gas Safe Register reports that 5.5 million homes in the UK have unsafe gas appliances, which could lead to dangerous carbon monoxide levels. UK regulations require landlords to provide working carbon monoxide alarms in properties with gas appliances to help monitor these levels. To ensure your safety, you should install carbon monoxide detectors in every room with fuel-burning appliances and have all such appliances regularly serviced by qualified professionals.

What are the effects of long-term exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide?

The effects of long-term exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide can be both subtle and serious. When you experience long-term exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide, your health may deteriorate gradually. The effects of long-term exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide include persistent headaches, ongoing nausea, dizziness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and memory problems. You might also notice changes in your mood and behaviour. These effects can lead to your brain being starved of oxygen, which can have devastating short-term and long-term consequences. In severe cases, the effects of long-term exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide may include neurological problems affecting memory, language, cognition and movement. Some people may develop conditions resembling Parkinson’s disease due to damage to the basal ganglia. While most people recover after the carbon monoxide source is removed, it’s essential to identify the exposure early by installing carbon monoxide detectors and maintaining all fuel-burning appliances.

What are the symptoms of delayed carbon monoxide poisoning?

The symptoms of delayed carbon monoxide poisoning can appear well after the initial exposure, making this aspect of poisoning particularly dangerous. Delayed deterioration in neurological condition is an unusual feature of severe carbon monoxide poisoning that can occur anywhere from a few days to as long as five to six weeks after the initial exposure. The symptoms of delayed carbon monoxide poisoning may include worsening neurological problems affecting your memory, language abilities, cognitive function and movement. You might experience behavioural changes or develop symptoms that resemble Parkinson’s disease due to damage to the basal ganglia. While the exact mechanism behind delayed carbon monoxide poisoning is not entirely clear, it highlights the importance of thorough medical follow-up even if you appear to recover from the initial exposure. If you’ve been exposed to carbon monoxide and begin experiencing new or worsening symptoms days or weeks later, seek immediate medical attention and inform healthcare providers about your previous exposure.

Are low levels of carbon monoxide harmful to human health?

Yes, low levels of carbon monoxide are harmful and should never be dismissed as insignificant. When you’re exposed to even low levels of carbon monoxide over time, your body gradually accumulates this toxic gas, which binds to your red blood cells and reduces their ability to carry oxygen. Low levels of carbon monoxide are harmful, particularly to vulnerable groups, including elderly people, pregnant women, young children and people with existing respiratory conditions. According to research, exposure to levels exceeding 10ppm can be harmful with prolonged exposure. The harmful effects of low levels of carbon monoxide often manifest as headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue and cognitive problems that you might mistakenly attribute to other causes like stress or illness. A concerning aspect of low levels of carbon monoxide is that the symptoms typically improve when you leave the affected environment and return when you come back, making it difficult to identify the source without proper detection equipment.

What are the warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning you should never ignore?

The warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning can be easily confused with common illnesses, but recognising them could save your life. Key warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, flu-like symptoms without fever, stomach pains, difficulty breathing, drowsiness and confusion. Warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning are often mistaken for cold, flu or food poisoning. A crucial indicator is when multiple people in the same building develop similar symptoms simultaneously or when symptoms improve when you leave a particular environment and worsen upon return. The warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning can progress to more severe symptoms, including disorientation, visual disturbances, chest pain and ultimately loss of consciousness. If you experience these warning signs, you should immediately open all doors and windows, turn off any fuel appliances if safe to do so, leave the property and seek medical attention. Remember that carbon monoxide is often called ‘The Silent Killer’ because you cannot see, smell or taste it, making it essential to install carbon monoxide detectors in your home.

Can carbon monoxide poisoning cause permanent damage to your health?

Yes, carbon monoxide poisoning can cause permanent damage, particularly to your brain and nervous system. When carbon monoxide enters your bloodstream, it replaces oxygen and can lead to tissue damage. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause permanent damage to various parts of your brain, resulting in long-term neurological problems affecting memory, language, cognition, mood and behaviour. Severe cases can damage the basal ganglia, potentially causing movement disorders that resemble Parkinson’s disease. The permanent damage from carbon monoxide poisoning can manifest immediately or through delayed effects appearing days or even weeks after exposure. While treatment with oxygen therapy can help prevent some long-term effects, carbon monoxide poisoning can cause permanent damage that affects your quality of life indefinitely. The risk of permanent damage increases with exposure duration and concentration levels, highlighting the importance of early detection through carbon monoxide alarms and prompt medical attention if exposure occurs.