Why is carbon monoxide dangerous?

Wednesday 19th June 2024

Carbon monoxide, or CO, is a deadly gas released by fuel burning appliances, as a result of incomplete combustion. The dangers of carbon monoxide are caused by its structure, which is similar to oxygen. Because of this, CO can bind to red blood cells, which stops them from being able to deliver oxygen to organs. The gas has no colour, smell, or taste, making it impossible to detect without a carbon monoxide alarm.

Why is carbon monoxide dangerous? — Carbon monoxide can be fatal

What are the dangers of carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is a risk even at very low levels. It is dangerous because it binds to haemoglobin of red blood cells where oxygen should bind, and becomes stuck there. As a result, the amount of oxygen that can be carried by the red blood cells is reduced. Carbon monoxide therefore starves the organs of oxygen, causing them to shut down.

Symptoms can start as headaches, nausea, dizziness and tiredness. If ignored, this can progress to stomach pains, breathlessness, and collapse as the body’s organs shut down; CO poisoning can be fatal. Read more information on the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Dangers of CO at low vs high levels

Exposure to low levels of CO can have subtle symptoms, which can easily be dismissed as sickness from a virus. Victims may feel drowsy and unwell when inside a building with a CO leak, but feel better when they leave. Over a period of days or weeks, this can have long term effects as the body’s organs, starved of oxygen, become damaged. This is why it is essential to install carbon monoxide detectors in any buildings with fuel burning appliances.

The dangers of CO at high levels are considerably elevated, and in extreme cases, include death. Symptoms will be harder to ignore, but due to the risk of confusion and collapse, it may not be possible to get to safety.

Carbon monoxide alarms detect this dangerous gas — Carbon monoxide is dangerous as it has no colour, smell, or taste

Combatting the dangers of carbon monoxide

You should ensure that all your appliances, such as cookers, fires, and boilers are serviced every year. If you live in a rented home, this is the responsibility of your landlord, and is a legal requirement. Ask to see the annual certificates or reports if you can’t see an in-date sticker on the appliance. If your landlord can’t produce them, insist that the service is carried out again.

Further to this, in between the annual service or checks, be aware of signs that the appliance isn’t working properly. This may include soot marks around the appliance, excessive condensation in the room, or a lazy yellow or orange coloured flame in your boiler instead of a bright blue one. If you notice any of these signs, arrange for an engineer to check it immediately.

The best way to combat the dangers of CO is to install a carbon monoxide alarm. This will alert you to the danger even at low levels, before symptoms begin, and before long-term damage can be done to your body.

Do you need a CO detector if you don’t have any fuel burning appliances?

Yes, it is recommended that even if you don’t have any fuel appliances in your home, you have at least one CO detector fitted. Carbon monoxide can seep through walls and as such you are at risk of CO poisoning from your neighbour.

Buy a carbon monoxide detector for your home and test it regularly to protect your household from this dangerous gas. For more information, read about what to do if your CO alarm goes off. Alternatively, contact our friendly customer service team for advice about the best alarm for you on 0800 612 6537, or email support@safelincs.co.uk.

Carbon monoxide poisoning: What are the Symptoms?

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

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.
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.
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 Nationa l 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.

Headache or dizziness is a symptom of co poisoning — Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms can easily be mistaken for flu or a common cold or sickness bug

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

Carbon monoxide poisoning information sheet printable download — Download our information sheet and share with relatives or friends

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Mel Saunders

Head of Marketing

With over 20 years of experience in content writing, design and marketing, Mel now heads up the Content & Marketing Team at Safelincs. Having been in the fire safety industry for over 5 years, Mel has now developed a deep understanding of some of the critical issues facing the industry. Alongside her team, she aims to support the public with resources and information to help them improve fire safety at home, in the workplace or in 3rd sector organisations.

Latest Posts by Mel Saunders

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Is Your Holiday Home Protected From The ‘Silent Killer’? Carbon Monoxide Responsibilities For Accommodation Providers

Thursday 17th September 2020

Content updated 09 August 2024

When someone books a holiday, what features do they look for? Maybe a hot tub, fire pit or log burner for that little bit of luxury? A carbon monoxide detector might not be top of the list, but with carbon monoxide (CO), or the ‘Silent Killer’, ensuring your holiday accommodation is CO safe should be a priority. Did you know that as a holiday home owner in England, you have a legal responsibility to comply with regulations relating to carbon monoxide safety? Holiday-makers want to have peace of mind that their safety is a top priority when booking a holiday, and carbon monoxide safety is no exception.

Following the tragic death of Hudson Foley, a 24-year-old travelling in Ecuador, from carbon monoxide poisoning, the issue of CO safety when travelling has been highlighted. The dangers of this deadly gas are just as significant within the UK; it is the cause of more than 100 deaths annually. If you own a holiday home, caravans, gite or glamping pod anywhere in the world, protect your guests by fitting a working CO alarm. Part of the Pack Safe Appeal, set up in memory of Hudson, is to promote CO safety measures from accommodation providers. This includes ensuring carbon monoxide alarms are fitted and working, and that gas safety checks are regularly carried out. Safelincs are supporting the Pack Safe Appeal this summer by offering 15% off CO alarms using code HUDSON15.

Why is carbon monoxide dangerous?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly poisonous gas with no smell or taste and can be difficult to detect without the aid of a carbon monoxide detector. Symptoms such as tiredness, shortness of breath, nausea and headaches can be easily mistaken for flu or food poisoning. However, after exposure to high levels for 2 hours, the person may become unconscious and could die from this poisonous gas. With such sudden consequences, early detection is critical.

For more information about the dangers of carbon monoxide and how it kills, read our blog.

Accommodation providers: Your responsibilities

CO gas is produced by the incomplete burning of fuels containing carbon, for example coal, wood, gas or charcoal. A build-up in emissions of CO gas can come from:
• Faulty gas appliances
• Fuel burning stoves, open fires or BBQs used in poorly ventilated areas
• Running a car engine in an enclosed space.

Like landlords, holiday home owners have a responsibility to ensure that their properties are compliant with the regulations Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015. These regulations state that a carbon monoxide detector should be fitted in any room that has a solid fuel burning appliance such as a log burner or open fire. Whilst not a legal requirement, it is also advisable to install a detector in any room with a gas or oil burning appliance such as a boiler or oven. You should also check and log all smoke and CO alarms on change-over day for added peace on mind.

In Scotland, it is a legal requirement that all homes with a carbon fuel burning appliance, such as a boiler, gas cooker, or open fire, have a CO alarm installed. Similar regulations are also in place in Wales.

Maintaining CO Alarms and Fuel Burning Appliances

The maintenance of gas appliances in all properties is also of paramount importance. The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 outlines the legal duties of self-catering accommodation providers to ensure the safety of any guests. All gas appliances should be installed and checked annually by a Gas Safe Engineer. Accommodation providers need to ensure adequate ventilation throughout the holiday accommodation. This is of particular importance in caravans, lodges and tents or glamping pods.

Further to this, it is essential that CO alarms are tested regularly to ensure that it is working, and not near the end of its life. It is recommended that these detectors are tested once a month – sign up for our reminder service to receive texts and emails when this is due.

Provide information for your tenants

With frequent change-over of tenants and short-term occupancy, it may also help to provide a factsheet with guidance on carbon monoxide safety. Information such as how to locate and turn off the mains gas supply, what to do if the carbon monoxide alarm goes off or who to contact in an emergency may prove invaluable. Some tenants will be unfamiliar with gas appliances and general advice on how to use them safely could be useful.

Furthermore, unlike some smoke alarms that are prone to false triggers, a CO alarm is very unlikely to go off unless it detects carbon monoxide. False alarms are very unlikely and residents should be advised to act immediately and assume it is an emergency situation. Many people are not aware of the CO emissions from BBQs and camp fires. Cosy fires and family BBQs can prove deadly if emissions are allowed to accumulate in a tent, glamping pod or caravan. Campsites or caravan sites are advised to alert campers to the possible dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning from these activities.

Confidence in the UK holiday market

With the trend in UK ‘staycations’ looking set to continue into next year, ensuring the safety of guests in all accommodation will only help to increase confidence in UK holidays. Families should have peace of mind that their safety is of the utmost importance. There are many options for carbon monoxide alarms including combined or separate smoke and CO alarms, audible and visual cues and fixed or portable units. The requirement of each accommodation type varies depending on size, risks and structure.

The Kidde 7DCO alarm is a great solution for most providers as it is Kitemarked as safe for use in all domestic situations as well as in caravans, boats and tents. Its 10-year lifespan, digital display and option for free-standing or wall-mounting makes it a reliable and flexible option. And, with readings taken every 15 seconds and displayed on the digital panel, guests would have complete peace of mind that they are protected from the ‘silent killer’.

A suitable carbon monoxide alarm — Digital Display Carbon Monoxide Alarm 10 Yr Warranty – Kidde 7DCO

If you are an accommodation provider and would like more information, please contact our customer care team on 0800 612 6537.

Mel Saunders

Head of Marketing

Latest Posts by Mel Saunders

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