Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas which can cause serious injury or death. It is colourless, odourless, tasteless, and upon entering the body it prevents the blood from taking oxygen to the cells, tissues, and organs.
Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when carbon monoxide builds up in the blood. When too much carbon monoxide is in the air, the body replaces the oxygen in the red blood cells with carbon monoxide. This can lead to serious tissue damage or even death. Carbon monoxide is a gas that has no odor, taste or color. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, feeling sick or being sick, feeling weak, confusion, chest and muscle pain, and shortness of breath. The symptoms may come and go. They may get worse when you spend time in an affected room or building and get better when you leave or go outside
There are many possible causes of carbon monoxide poisoning in a UK home. The main cause of carbon monoxide poisoning is gas appliances in a state of disrepair. Common household appliances used for heating and cooking can produce carbon monoxide if they are not installed properly, are faulty, or are poorly maintained.
Other appliances that can cause carbon monoxide include gas boilers, gas cookers and clay ovens, gas or paraffin heaters, wood, gas and coal fires.
Blocked gas flues or vents, poorly serviced gas fires or ovens, and any solid fuel stove are among the most common culprits in carbon monoxide poisoning.
Car exhausts give off carbon monoxide if the engine is left running in a confined space such as a garage