Shielding your home from Carbon Monoxide
Shielding your home from Carbon Monoxide
Co cannot be tasted and has no odor giving no chance to detect this dangerous gas. The gas is a by product of burning with insufficient oxygen supply such as can happen in a poorly ventilated central heating appliance. Correctly functioning central heating appliances create Carbon Dioxide, a harmless gas. Reduced oxygen supplies can lead to Co. Following the adoption of regular gas boiler servicing and regulations governing ventilation levels deaths from Carbon Monoxide have been held at thirty per annum although there are many more injuries from poisoning.
Can you identify a Co problem if you look at your gas appliances?
Gas burning in an oxygen poor atmosphere can create visible sediments which can discolour gas appliances and the walls surrounding them. Poor airing can reduce the volume of oxygen available to burn gas within a boiler resulting in the production of Carbon Dioxide, in these circumstances a pilot burner may change from burning with the common blue color to a yellowed colouration. Changes in the colour of the pilot light suggest that all is not well with the boiler and it should be serviced as soon as time permits.
Tell me how to reduce the chances of Carbon Monoxide related illness.
As mentioned Co is produced when a gas flame burns with insufficient oxygen in the surrounding atmosphere. Gas appliance combustion problems can be avoided by adopting a regular appliance servicing schedule by trained appliance engineers. To ensure that you get expert appliance service you should check that the engineer is CORGI-registered. Carbon Monoxide Gas detectors, carrying a British Standard kite mark, are an important addition to a plan to protect your home against possible poisoning by Carbon Monoxide Gas gas. Air vents maintain the mandatory air flow to you gas appliances and it is crucial that these are kept free of any blockages as this could result in a decreased flow of air. Also regularly inspect for plants which might be growing near a vent outside as over the course of a year they can also block them. If air is provided through a flue this should be inspected throughout the year to confirm that it has not become blocked by debris or even a nest created by birds. It is important to be aware of the different noises from your smoke alarms and Co detectors. In an emergency you need to be aware of the different sounds so you know which detector was activated.
What will Co Poisoning result in?
Carbon Monoxide kills so do not take any risks if you suspect you may be suffering from inhalation of the gas. symptoms can be similar to other sicknesses so act quickly if you have any doubts. Take action to protect yourself and your household quickly. Age and good health are no defence against poisoning from Co. This also applies to home Animals.
What are the signs of Carbon Monoxide Gas poisoning?
Many times Co poisoning results in typical flu like symptoms such as: -
- repetative headaches
- queasiness
- little energy
- upset stomach and sickness
A CORGI certified plumber should be brought in to inspect your gas appliances if you notice these symptoms in your household. Whilst waiting for the plumber to arrive you should see to it that you have opened the windows and everyone has left the household.