What are Carbon Monoxide Leaks – The Complete Guide!

Carbon monoxide is known as the ‘silent killer.” This is because people are frequently unaware that they are affected by CO until it is too late or until they have become very sick. Gas appliances do not make any alarming noises when they are releasing CO, and there is no characteristic odour to the gas—victims simply breathe it in and fall ill, with dozens of unnecessary deaths occurring every year as a result.

Thanks to the government’s efforts in raising awareness and partnering with numerous businesses, injuries and death rates related to carbon monoxide poisoning have decreased.

However, it is important that you fully understand what carbon monoxide leaks are, how they pose a threat to your family and your health, and preventive measures that you can take to avoid the problem in the future.

This blog intends to raise your awareness and keep you informed regarding carbon monoxide poisoning, the reasons behind it, symptoms, and the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. It also tells you about safety tips to keep you protected against carbon monoxide leaks. So make sure you read this blog till the end.

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What is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that is non-irritating, colourless, odourless, and tasteless. These features make it more dangerous, as you can’t detect the leak or smell it, and if the buildup of CO increases, it can make you severely ill or even kill you.

The Reason Behind Carbon Monoxide Leaks?

Carbon monoxide is produced by gas appliances, including boilers, fires, cookers, and water heaters, because of incomplete combustion that is caused by worn-out components, a lack of maintenance, and the old age of your gas appliances. Other reasons may include poorly maintained ventilation, smoke coming out of cars, and cigarettes.

What are the Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide?

Below are the main symptoms to look out for if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Breathlessness
• Collapsing
• Unconsciousness
• Chest pain

While it is dangerous to everyone, some people are more vulnerable than others, including:

• Babies and young children
• Pregnant women
• People with chronic heart disease
• People with respiratory problems

What are the Dangers of Carbon Monoxide in the Home?

Recent Reports Regarding Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

According to Northern Gas Networks (NGN), suspected cases of carbon monoxide-related incidents have risen by 37% since 2021. Emergency visits to households also increased from 1,408 in 2021 to 1,031 in 2023. According to statistics released by the Office for National Statistics, an average of 60 deaths occur per year throughout England and Wales.

One of the NGN officials also said that the rise in carbon monoxide leaks is a result of the rising cost of living, which is why people do not service their gas appliances regularly. You must know the essential information about the dangers of carbon monoxide and understand your responsibilities.

What are your Responsibilities?

According to  Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations you should follow the asses, control and review model to stay protected against the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. But to stay protected against the risks you must be fully aware of the risks. Some of the major issues that could put you at risk of CO poisoning include:

• Gas appliances that are installed or fitted badly

• Poorly repaired gas appliances

• Appliances that have not had an annual gas safety check

• Appliances that are badly ventilated or have blocked flues

• Sleeping in the same room as a gas appliance

• Other common factors in CO deaths include indoor use of fuel-burning appliances, such as butane gas camping stoves and barbecues.

Safety Tips

To protect yourself, your loved ones, and even your neighbours from deadly carbon monoxide follow the below-mentioned safety tips:

• Never use a broken gas boiler or any other gas appliance you suspect is not working as it should.

• Know some of the key warning signs of carbon monoxide emission, including orange or yellow flames, sootiness, yellow staining around the appliance, or unusually high levels of condensation.

• Do not block flues, air vents, air bricks, or any other ventilation system built into your home.

• Have a gas appliance and an annual boiler service every 12 months.

• Buy an audible carbon monoxide alarm and fit this in every room containing a fuel-burning appliance.

• Never use items such as barbecues and camping stoves indoors.

• Check the credentials of anyone who comes to service or repair your gas appliances. All engineers who work on gas appliances should be members of the Gas Safe Register.

• If you suspect carbon monoxide in your home, open all your doors and windows, turn off your gas supply, leave your home if you can do so safely, and call 0800 111 999 to report a gas emergency.

• Don’t attempt any boiler repairs yourself – doing so may be illegal, as you must be Gas Safe Registered to work on any gas fitting or flue. Attempting to repair gas appliances without the right training and knowledge can easily lead to disaster.

Conclusion

I hope after reading the above blog you are now aware of what monoxide leaks are, their dangers, the risks associated with and safety tips to follow to stay protected against it’s dangers. Also, you must never neglect the maintenance of your gas-safe appliances, especially your boilers and if you haven’t serviced it for a year arrange an annual service boiler today.

Also if your boiler is prone to breakdowns regularly then consider getting a boiler breakdown cover and if your boiler is over 15 years then you should consider a new boiler replacement.